Harrogate man jailed for offences against children
WARNING: This article contains some distressing details.
Last updated 27th Apr 2021
WARNING: This article contains some distressing details.
A man from Harrogate has been sentenced to ten years in prison, for multiple child sex offences.
Dale Michael Tyson, 30, created an alter-ego to talk to at least 10 children online, in the UK and the USA.
North Yorkshire Police believe there may have been many more victims.
The court heard how he built relationships with his young victims to obtain graphic images of them.
Tyson pleaded guilty to seven counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, six counts of making indecent photographs of a child, three counts of intentionally encouraging an offence and sexual communication with a child.
As well as spending a decade behind bars, he is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for an indefinite period.
North Yorkshire Police Detective Sergeant Steven Alderson said: “This case really highlights the fact that it is almost impossible to know if the person you are speaking to online is who they claim to be. Tyson pretended he was a young north American man to create connections with his victims so that he could manipulate them into sending graphic images of themselves which he then used for his own gratification.
“The young victims who came forward showed incredible bravery in speaking to the police about what happened to them and in speaking out they have helped protect many more young people from Tyson’s deplorable behaviour.
“The investigation spanned the UK and USA with fantastic work from our investigators at North Yorkshire Police who managed to locate a number of these victims, without whom the case would not have been so strong. These type of investigations are a huge team effort but I’d particularly like to thank DC Lucy Armstrong, Victim ID Officer Steve Tock and Digital Forensic Investigator Zoe Warboys for their part in bringing this offender to justice.”
“Unfortunately, online communication gives criminals like Tyson the opportunity to meet and speak to victims whilst pretending to be whatever persona will allow him to create these relationships and it is a situation we are seeing more and more often. Please be extremely cautious when speaking to anyone online and never share images or personal details about yourself.”
The NSPCC provides resources and advice for parents, relating to keeping children safe online. Click here to view their webpage.