Sydney Burdon, 65, of Thorstle Hill, Middleton, was jailed for 12 years after he was found guilty of rape, two counts of indecent assault, indecent exposure, engaging in sexual communication with a child and four counts of engaging a child in sexual activity. The paedophile was labelled a “true monster” in court as it was explained how he raped a young girl who fell pregnant and was later forced to endure further trauma after the child was stillborn. — Sydney Burdon, 65, of Thorstle Hill, Middleton, was jailed for 12 years after he was found guilty of rape, two counts of indecent assault, indecent exposure, engaging in sexual communication with a child and four counts of engaging a child in sexual activity. The paedophile was labelled a “true monster” in court as it was explained how he raped a young girl who fell pregnant and was later forced to endure further trauma after the child was stillborn. | West Yorkshire Police

placeholder image — Sydney Burdon, 65, of Thorstle Hill, Middleton, was jailed for 12 years after he was found guilty of rape, two counts of indecent assault, indecent exposure, engaging in sexual communication with a child and four counts of engaging a child in sexual activity. The paedophile was labelled a “true monster” in court as it was explained how he raped a young girl who fell pregnant and was later forced to endure further trauma after the child was stillborn. | West Yorkshire Police

45 callous criminals locked up in Leeds in July including violent yob and naked thug high on drugs

By James Connolly

SWNS reporter

Published 31st Jul 2025, 03:45 GMT

Dozens of callous criminals appeared in the dock in Leeds over the last month - with some handed lengthy sentences behind bars.

From a man who repeatedly punched a police officer while naked, to a teenager who helped stoke the flames of a fire started during the Harehills disorder, these offenders have all been brought to justice.

Also in the headlines this month was the driver who killed cyclist John Shelton after smashing into him at nearly 100mph, before torching his car in a bid to cover his tracks.

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After another long month of sentencings at Leeds Crown Court, here are 45 of the criminals who appeared before judges -

Bogdan Ungurasu, 36, of Claremont Terrace, Armley, was jailed for 30 months after admitting causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The drunken driver smashed head-on into a mother and daughter’s car in Wortley as he went to buy more alcohol on April 2 last year, then tried to flee the scene.

19. Bogdan Ungurasu

Bogdan Ungurasu, 36, of Claremont Terrace, Armley, was jailed for 30 months after admitting causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The drunken driver smashed head-on into a mother and daughter’s car in Wortley as he went to buy more alcohol on April 2 last year, then tried to flee the scene. | West Yorkshire Police/National World/Google

Christopher Baulk, 35, of Regent Street, Hemsworth, was jailed for 30 months after admitting two counts of handling stolen goods. A police helicopter was needed to keep pace with a stolen car that Baulk was in while it reached eye-watering speeds in built-up areas in Hemsworth in December 2021.

20. Christopher Baulk

Christopher Baulk, 35, of Regent Street, Hemsworth, was jailed for 30 months after admitting two counts of handling stolen goods. A police helicopter was needed to keep pace with a stolen car that Baulk was in while it reached eye-watering speeds in built-up areas in Hemsworth in December 2021. | West Yorkshire Police/National World

Dean Johnson, 36, of no fixed address, was jailed for two years after admitting charges of dangerous driving, going equipped for theft and having no insurance. Pursuing police twice rammed the known criminal who had a car full of equipment for stealing on Stanningley Bypass on June 16.

21. Dean Johnson

Dean Johnson, 36, of no fixed address, was jailed for two years after admitting charges of dangerous driving, going equipped for theft and having no insurance. Pursuing police twice rammed the known criminal who had a car full of equipment for stealing on Stanningley Bypass on June 16. | West Yorkshire Police/National World

William Turner, of Little Lane, South Elmsall, was jailed for four years and six months after admitting arson reckless as to whether life was endangered. A family were forced to escape a fire through a smashed window during an arson attack on Sandford Road in South Elmsall by the drunken yob who was high on cocaine on August 18 last year.

22. William Turner

William Turner, of Little Lane, South Elmsall, was jailed for four years and six months after admitting arson reckless as to whether life was endangered. A family were forced to escape a fire through a smashed window during an arson attack on Sandford Road in South Elmsall by the drunken yob who was high on cocaine on August 18 last year. | West Yorkshire Police/SWNS/Google

Adam Lindley, 34, of Ings View, Methley, was jailed for 40 months after admitting two counts of breaching his SHPO. The court heard how the paedophile, who previously managed to avoid prison, continued to pursue his vile interests just months after being convicted - this time targeting a young teenager.

23. Adam Lindley

Adam Lindley, 34, of Ings View, Methley, was jailed for 40 months after admitting two counts of breaching his SHPO. The court heard how the paedophile, who previously managed to avoid prison, continued to pursue his vile interests just months after being convicted - this time targeting a young teenager. | West Yorkshire Police/Getty

Richard Brown, 60, of Kelmscott Avenue, Manston, was jailed for 28 months after he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault dating as far back as 1985. A woman abused by him almost 40 years ago said she could “not remain quiet any further”.

24. Richard Brown

Richard Brown, 60, of Kelmscott Avenue, Manston, was jailed for 28 months after he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault dating as far back as 1985. A woman abused by him almost 40 years ago said she could “not remain quiet any further”. | West Yorkshire Police/Adobe

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