Found guilty of indecently assaulting a child nearly 50 years ago.

91-year-old Jailed for Child Sex Assault From Nearly 50 Years Ago

John Gaukroger, of Halifax, has been sentenced to 26 months in prison for indecently assaulting a child almost 50 years ago. The abuse occurred between 1975 and 1976 while Gaukroger was assisting at a children's afterschool centre.

The victim, who was under the age of 10 at the time, reported the abuse to the police in 2020, triggering an investigation and subsequent trial. Gaukroger denied the allegations but was found guilty in May of two counts of indecent assault against a child.

During his time helping at the children's center, Gaukroger also took the youngsters on camping trips. The court heard that the victim has been deeply affected by the abuse, stating, "There was not a day when I did not think about what happened, and it has had a big impact on me, my family and my relationships." He added, "I feel like I have now come to terms with everything and since the case was in court I have had some of the best night's sleep I have ever had. I am happy this now has a conclusion, and I can try my best to move on from this now."

Det Insp Vicky Lawrence of West Yorkshire Police appealed for other potential victims of Gaukroger's abuse to come forward, stating, "Irrelevant of the length of time passed, you will be listened to, supported and we will do all we can to fight for victims and bring perpetrators to justice."

In addition to the prison sentence, Gaukroger was ordered to sign the sex offender's register and was given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.