Man with learning difficulties who targeted young girls.

Keighley Man Jailed for Child Sex Offences

A 21-year-old Keighley man, Aidan Whittingham, has been sentenced to five years in prison for a string of child sex offences.

Whittingham, of Whinfield Avenue, pleaded guilty to making indecent images of a child and distributing an indecent image of a child. He was also found guilty of voyeurism and sexual activity with a child following a trial in October 2022.

The court heard that Whittingham had distributed a nude photograph of a child to a relative and secretly recorded himself engaging in sexual activity with another underage girl. He also had sex with a third teenage girl, but despite his conviction, others had labelled her a "liar."

In addition to the jail sentence, Recorder Jackson KC also imposed a lifetime sex offender registration requirement on Whittingham and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Whittingham's defense attorney, Abigail Langford, highlighted his learning disability and other issues, noting he had already spent over a year in custody on remand. Expert reports from a psychiatrist and psychologist indicated his lack of maturity and vulnerability.

However, Recorder Jackson stated that Whittingham's pattern of offending had escalated, and he was convinced that the young man had targeted young females. He emphasized that Whittingham was aware of his actions and their implications, and his learning difficulties were not a contributing factor.

The judge acknowledged that Whittingham's sentence would have been longer if not for his young age and existing difficulties.

Detective Constable Paul Maxwell of the Child Vulnerable to Exploitation Team in Bradford welcomed the sentence, describing Whittingham as a danger to children. He commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward and reporting the crimes.

"Offences of this nature are always taken very seriously, and we have a dedicated specialist safeguarding team who will support victims to get them justice," said Maxwell.