A man has been jailed for 15 years following a disturbing series of sexual offences against multiple women across West Yorkshire and Teesside. Daniel Field, 27, of Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Friday, 16 May 2025, after being found guilty of 14 sexual offences, including five counts of rape and four assaults by penetration.
Four-Year Campaign of Abuse
The crimes spanned from 2016 to 2020, with Field targeting vulnerable women in Huddersfield and later Middlesbrough. Initially arrested for offences committed in Huddersfield between 2018 and 2020, a further investigation linked Field to a 2016 rape case in Middlesbrough, leading to additional charges.
During his February 2025 trial, Field attempted to discredit the victims, but jurors sided with their compelling testimony. His conviction was secured through evidence collected in a joint operation by West Yorkshire Police and Cleveland Police.
Victims’ Bravery Praised
Detective Constable Jan Burrill of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team commended the courage of the women who came forward. “They had to relive horrendous acts and endure Field’s lies. Their bravery ensured justice was served.”
Detective Inspector Phil Davies added, “This sentence sends a clear message—we are here to support victims of sexual offences and pursue offenders no matter how long it takes.”
Operation Thiftmill: Police Collaboration Across Counties
Cleveland Police‘s DC Craig Jones praised the success of Operation Thiftmill, the initiative responsible for revisiting the 2016 Middlesbrough case. “Even after several years, our team’s commitment led to justice and closure for a survivor,” he said.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the case involved extensive coordination and digital forensics work. The severity of Field’s crimes led to a significantly longer sentence than the UK average for rape convictions, which the Ministry of Justice cites as around seven years.
Public Reaction and Wider Impact
News of the sentencing sparked widespread reaction on social media. One X user wrote, “15 years—finally some justice,” while others expressed disappointment that the term wasn’t longer.
Rape Crisis England & Wales reminded the public that support is available via confidential helplines, and encouraged anyone affected by sexual violence to seek help.
Sexual Offences on the Rise in the UK
According to the Office for National Statistics, over 194,000 sexual offences were recorded in England and Wales in 2023—a 37% increase since 2019. High-profile convictions like Field’s signal a renewed focus on holding perpetrators accountable.
Leeds Crown Court has handled several major sex crime trials in recent years, including the Huddersfield grooming gang case in 2019, which resulted in 27 convictions for child sexual exploitation.
Police Appeal to Other Survivors
Police are urging other potential victims to come forward. Both West Yorkshire Police and Cleveland Police reassured the public of victim-first, trauma-informed approaches. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has also invested in specialist training to improve case handling.
“If you’ve suffered abuse, you are not alone. Reporting it can bring justice and closure,” a police spokesperson said.
Support Services
- Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 500 2222
- Victim Support: 0808 168 9111
- Police (Non-Emergency): Call 101 or report online via the relevant police force website
