Staithes Man Jailed for Sexual Activity with Teenage Girl

A Staithes man has been jailed for three and a half years after admitting to sexual activity with a teenage girl.

Maxx Stobbs, also known as Max Hinchley, 24, of Staithes, was sentenced at York Crown Court on Friday 19 September 2025.

This is a request to members of the public not to confuse the defendant in this case with any other residents of Staithes. His personal details and photograph have been included in reporting to prevent misidentification. Please do not approach other members of the public with the same name or their properties.

Stobbs was first reported to police in March 2023. Following an investigation by the Scarborough and Ryedale Safeguarding Investigation Team, he was arrested in April 2023.

On 18 July 2025, Stobbs pleaded guilty to four counts of penetrative sexual activity with a girl. In addition to his prison sentence, he was ordered to pay a £190 surcharge and has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

Detective Constable Matthew Edwards, who led the investigation, said:

“The victim in this case is to be commended for her bravery in coming forward to the police, and for her strength in re-building her life after the long-term offending by Stobbs, who is now a convicted sex offender.
The impact of this type of offending should not be underestimated and I urge victims to come forward to police. No matter when the abuse took place, you will be listened to.”

During sentencing, the court heard a powerful personal statement from the victim, who said:

“The defendant targeted me at a time when I was young, vulnerable, just starting to discover my identity and learning to navigate the world. The defendant used my naivety and innocence against me; and I can never get these things back.
Every day feels like a mountain to climb, as I constantly carry the weight of what the defendant did to me.
I am working hard to rebuild my confidence and self-worth, but I will forever grieve for the girl I was, and the woman I could have been, before I met the defendant.”

Support and reporting

North Yorkshire Police encourage victims of rape and sexual abuse – whether recent or non-recent – to come forward.

• Report directly: Visit the North Yorkshire Police website or call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

• Independent support:

  • IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services): idas.org.uk – support for victims regardless of police involvement.

  • Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): acerhousesarc.co.uk or call 0330 223 0362.

  • Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire: supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.

• For children and young people:

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000.

  • Childline: 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.