Former X Factor contestant Danny Tetley has been released from prison after serving two-thirds of his nine-year sentence for child abuse. The 44-year-old from Wibsey, West Yorkshire, was jailed in 2020 for offences involving seven teenage boys aged 15 and 16. He had pestered them to send indecent pictures in return for money.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed to the Mirror that Tetley has been released under strict conditions. He will be supervised by the Probation Service and is subject to restrictions on his movements and contact with others. He also received an extended licence period of eight years and a sexual harm prevention order lasting 20 years.
Strict conditions and parole board decision
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."
Tetley appeared on ITV's X Factor in 2018, reaching the live shows before being eliminated at the semi-final stage. He also made minor appearances in the comedy series Benidorm.
Judge's condemnation at sentencing
At Bradford Crown Court in 2020, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall KC said Tetley had "traded" on his television success to commit the offences, describing his behaviour as "highly predatory and manipulative." The judge told him: "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."
He added: "Many will see you for what you are, a despicable creature. In your letter to me you acknowledge your disgraceful behaviour. Tetley has shown manipulative behaviour, sexualising victims, exposing them to images. What you demanded and showed were blatant and the disgusting level to which you sank, Mr Tetley, was quite unbelievable." A pre-sentencing report described Tetley as "highly predatory and manipulative," which the judge said was "spot on."
