"Dangerous sexual predator" admits exposing himself to women including in Leeds & Sheffield
The 28 year old was finally arrested after a incident outside of a school in Darlington earlier this month
Last updated 30th Jan 2025
A man, dubbed 'a dangerous sexual predator' has admitted to a string of offences including exposing himself to women in parts of Leeds and Sheffield.
28 year old Thomas Rees, of Harrogate in North Yorkshire, was arrested following an incident on January 17.
A woman who was picking her children up from school in Darlington reported being approached by a man driving a white rental van who was committing a sex act.
He made a lewd comment before driving away.
Upon analysis of the 28 year old's phone, police found several other videos of him committing similar offences in places including Leeds, Sheffield and Gateshead.
Officers are now trying to trace the victims of those incidents, which happened last September and October last year.
Five of the offences happened in Leeds, in Berkeley Terrace, Bayswater Mount, Compton Avenue, Seaforth Avenue and Gledhow Road.
Two happened in Sheffield, on Wheldrake Road and Firth Park Road with one final offence happening in High Heworth Lane in Gateshead.
Detective Constable Daniela Jones, of Durham Police, said: “I’d like to commend the woman in this case who, despite being distressed and upset by what she had witnessed, managed to take pictures of Rees’ van as he fled the scene.
“Her quick-thinking actions ultimately enabled us to track down and arrest a dangerous sexual predator and get him off the streets where he cannot cause any further harm.
“Our enquiries have revealed that Rees preyed on women across the north of the country, in particular in Gateshead, Leeds, and Sheffield.
“We would like to speak to anyone who may have been a victim of his abhorrent behaviour – if you have then please get in touch.”
Rees admitted nine counts of exposure at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court earlier this week and will be sentenced on February 18.