Former X Factor contestant Danny Tetley has been released from prison after serving just six years of a nine-year sentence for child sex offences. Tetley, 44, was jailed in 2020 after admitting offences involving seven teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, whom he pestered to send him indecent pictures in return for money.
Details of the Sentence and Release
The singer, from Wibsey, West Yorkshire, also received an extended licence period of eight years following his release and was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for 20 years. He pleaded guilty to multiple child sex offences before being sentenced. The Ministry of Justice confirmed to the Mirror that Tetley has now been released from custody after serving two-thirds of the custodial element of his sentence.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "These were horrific crimes and our thoughts remain with the victims. Offenders whose release is directed by the independent Parole Board are supervised by the Probation Service and are subject to strict conditions, including restrictions on their movements and contact with others. They can be recalled to prison for breaching these conditions or exhibiting behaviour suggesting they pose an increased risk to the public."
Background: X Factor and Exploitation of Celebrity
Tetley appeared on ITV's The X Factor in 2018, reaching the live shows before being eliminated at the semi-final stage. During sentencing at Bradford Crown Court in 2020, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall KC said Tetley had exploited his television success for sexual gratification. The judge described his behaviour as "highly predatory and manipulative."
Judge Durham Hall said: "The reality is that our society is deeply interested in celebrity, it does no harm. You exploited the status of your success. You traded on it to satisfy your perverted sexual needs. Those in the public eye don’t have licence to abuse. Those in public eye have deep responsibility and many exercise magnificently. Many will see you for what you are, a despicable creature."
He added: "What you demanded and showed were blatant and the disgusting level to which you sank, Mr Tetley, was quite unbelievable. Many will see you for what unfortunately you are – a despicable creature with very few redeeming features. A pre-sentencing report described you as highly predatory and manipulative. It says you have shown persistent predatory and manipulative behaviour against children to have your sexual needs met. That is spot on to me."
Impact and Supervision
Tetley's release has been directed by the independent Parole Board. He will be supervised by the Probation Service and is subject to strict conditions, including restrictions on his movements and contact with others. He can be recalled to prison for breaching these conditions or if his behaviour suggests an increased risk to the public.
