Retired police officer caught convicted paedophile taking photos of children's football matches - Leeds Crown Court

A convicted paedophile who was caught taking photos of children's football matches has avoided going into custody.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Jerry Lyons was asked "in a semi-professional capacity" to take the snaps for an unnamed club in the Wakefield district but failed to notify them of his past, Leeds Crown Court heard.

Read More
Convicted rapist broke female officer's cheekbone in HMP Wakefield attack - Leed...

The 59-year-old was subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) at the time which banned him from any kind of contact with anyone under 16.

Jerry Lyons appeared for sentencing at Leeds Crown Court. Picture: James HardistyJerry Lyons appeared for sentencing at Leeds Crown Court. Picture: James Hardisty
Jerry Lyons appeared for sentencing at Leeds Crown Court. Picture: James Hardisty
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Prosecutor Robert Galley said Lyons' past came to light when a retired police officer recognised him taking photos at a children's match in October 2020.

He was soon arrested and police found images on his computer from matches. They also found deleted searches including "boys without shirts" and "sexy shirtless" as well as photos of a boy that were taken at the youngster's birthday.

Lyons, formerly of South Elmsall but now of Saffrons Road, Eastbourne, admitted three breaches of his SHPO, which was designed to limit his internet use.

He was jailed in 2011 for 24 months for making and distributing indecent images of children. In 2016, he was then given the five-year SHPO which prevented him from taking photos of anyone under 16.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mitigating, Jeremy Barton said that Lyons pleaded guilty at an early opportunity and realises the gravity of his actions.

He said: "He understands that if he does not embrace it fully then he is likely to spend his time behind bars."

He said that Lyons is also a carer for his terminally-ill dad.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Judge Christopher Batty told Lyons that his breaches crossed the custody threshold, but opted to suspend the sentence.

He said that there was no suggestion that Lyons was distributing any photographs.

He said: "It's the third time you are here now. There are issues that you need to address. It's serious."

Lyons was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. The judge ordered him to enroll on a sex offenders' programme and gave him a new seven-year SHPO.

This article was first published by the Wakefield Express.