Hartlepool online sex predator jailed after investigation by North East Regional Organised Crime Unit and Cleveland Police

By Mark Payne
Published 25th Oct 2023, 15:02 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2023, 15:03 BST
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An online sex predator sent explicit videos to someone he believed was a child – but was shocked when he found police at his door.

Hartlepool man Jasonn Harrison, 54, thought he was talking to a 14-year-old boy online and persisted to send him sexually explicit videos of himself and graphic sexual messages.

But he was shocked to learn he was actually speaking to police leading them to show up on his doorstep and Harrison being jailed.

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It follows an investigation by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) and Cleveland Police.

Jasonn Harrison, from Hartlepool, sent sexually explicit videos and messages to what he believed was a child.Jasonn Harrison, from Hartlepool, sent sexually explicit videos and messages to what he believed was a child.
Jasonn Harrison, from Hartlepool, sent sexually explicit videos and messages to what he believed was a child.

Officers descended on Harrison’s home address in January 2022 and arrested him.

He was subsequently charged and in August pleaded guilty to arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, possession of extreme pornography and cause/incite a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

He returned to Teesside Crown Court on Monday when he was jailed for two years and eight months and put on an indefinite Sex Offenders Notice.

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Harrison was jailed at Teesside Crown Court.Harrison was jailed at Teesside Crown Court.
Harrison was jailed at Teesside Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Leonard from NEROCU, said: “When sex offenders operate online, they think they can hide their crimes, but this case shows the lengths officers will go to protect victims and bring offenders before the courts.

“This has been a long and thorough investigation by our team, and this result has meant a predator is now behind bars and potential victims have been prevented.

“Online offending is sadly on the rise, but our investigative skills and evidence gathering are constantly evolving.

“We would always encourage anyone with information about this type of offending, or anyone who thinks they have been a victim to come forward and talk to police – you will be supported.”

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He added: “Under Operation Sentinel, our regional approach to tacking serious and organised crime, we will continue to investigate these online offences to safeguard children and protect the public.

"For those engaging in this type of behaviour, our message is simple – you will be caught, and you can expect a knock at the door from us.”

Harrison, of Kesteven Road, Hartlepool was also given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order preventing him having any kind of contact with children under 16.

NEROCU urges anyone with concerns about someone online to report it to police.