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Leeds man jailed for life after being found guilty of dozens of sexual and physical assault offences

The offences took place over a 22-year period.

Emily Sergeant - 14th September 2026

A man from Leeds has been jailed for life after being found guilty of dozens of sexual and physical assault offences.

Paul Benstock - aged 62, of Appletree Court in the village of East Ardsley - appeared at Leeds Crown Court last week where he was sentenced after being convicted of more than 40 offences committed against five victims,

Following a Leeds Safeguarding investigation, Benstock was found guilty of a number of sexual offences and physical assaults against both adult and child victims, including 14 counts of rape - with these offences having thought to have taken place over a 22-year period between 1998 and 2020.

Benstock was also identified as being involved in the making of indecent images of children following an operation by the National Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP), and was also found guilty of these offences.

"Much of Benstock’s offending was against victims who were children at the time," explained Detective Sergeant Michelle Barnes, of Leeds Safeguarding Unit.

"His victims have shown incredible bravery in giving us detailed accounts of what has taken place and then again supporting the trial process by giving evidence when Benstock refused to take accountability for his awful crimes."

Benstock was sentenced to 37 years imprisonment.

He was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, West Yorkshire Police has confirmed.

Featured Image - West Yorkshire Police

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Inside Moida, the new Korean beauty and skincare store in Leeds city centre

Clementine Hall Moida K-Beauty has opened in Trinity Leeds

Moida K-Beauty has opened in Trinity Leeds

If your skincare routine has been needing an upgrade, there's some good news waiting for you inside Trinity Leeds.

The shopping centre has just welcomed Moida, a brand-new beauty retailer specialising in authentic Korean skincare, bringing some of the world's most sought-after K-beauty products to Leeds.

Named after the Korean word meaning 'to gather' or 'come together', moida is all about making Korean skincare easy to discover and accessible for everyone.

Inside the new store that has taken over the old Claire's Accessories site, shoppers can expect an extensive range of handpicked products from some of the biggest names in K-beauty, including Beauty of Joseon, Dr. Althea, TIRTIR, Medicube, Biodance, and more cult-favourite brands.

The collection has been curated by a team of Korean beauty experts with close links to Korea, meaning customers can expect everything from viral TikTok sensations to exclusive products that are often difficult to get hold of elsewhere in the UK.

Moida K-Beauty has opened in Trinity Leeds — Moida K-Beauty has opened in Trinity Leeds. Credit: The Hoot Leeds

Moida K-Beauty has opened in Trinity Leeds — Moida K-Beauty has opened in Trinity Leeds. Credit: The Hoot Leeds

Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: "With Korean skincare still increasing in popularity, moida brings an exciting new concept to the centre. Offering guests viral products alongside everyday essentials, plus the chance to browse new brands in-store will be a fantastic experience.

"We know moida is going to be a brilliant addition for both existing fans of K-beauty and those keen to discover it for the first time."

It's the latest announcement following the recent launches of Lane7, Footasylum, LEGO, Jerk Junction, The Fragrance Shop and schuh at Trinity Leeds.

Moida is now open in Trinity Leeds.

Read more from The Hoot Leeds:

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Bradford man, 20, jailed after admitting to 36 child sex offences

A 20-year-old man from Bradford has been sentenced to time in prison this week after admitting to numerous child sex offences.

Following an investigation initially by West Mercia and Lancashire Police, Kasey Fitton, aged 20 of Amundsen Avenue in Bradford, was arrested in February 2025 on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with four children residing outside of West Yorkshire Police force area.

An investigation was then launched by Bradford Safeguarding Unit, who went on to uncover large-scale sexual offending against children.

In February 2026, Fitton was charged with 16 counts of sexual communication with a child and 20 counts of making/possession of indecent images of children - with police confirming that five child victims have been identified.

At Bradford Crown Court, Fitton admitted to all 36 counts, and then earlier this week (7 September), he was jailed for seven and a half years, plus a five year extension on licence. He will also be required to sign the sex offenders register for life, and he has been given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years.

Speaking following the sentencing this week, Detective Superintendent Alan Weekes of Bradford District Police, described Fitton as a 'very dangerous individual to children'.

"There are further investigations ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who may have been a victim to come forward to us," DSI Weekes said.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who interacted with the Snapchat accounts Kaseyfitton23, Kaseyfitton24 and MyCroft110.

"We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and they are treated with sensitivity. We have specially trained officers who will guide you through the process and do everything we can to get justice."

Featured Image - West Yorkshire Police