Huddersfield Man Jailed for Sexual Abuse of a Girl

A Huddersfield man has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a girl over 20 years ago.

Anthony Sharp, 66, of Raynor Close, Oakes, was convicted on five charges of indecent assault by a jury at Bradford Crown Court on Thursday.

Recorder Anthony Hawks, presiding over the case, described the abuse as having a "catastrophic effect" on the victim, who provided a victim impact statement detailing the lasting trauma she has endured.

In addition to the prison sentence, Sharp was issued with an indefinite restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim and was required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Recorder Hawks acknowledged the devastating impact of such crimes on children, stating that the consequences can linger for years. However, he expressed hope that the sentence would bring some closure to the victim.

Sharp's defense attorney, Ian Howard, argued that the offenses occurred a long time ago and that there had been no subsequent offenses. Despite this, the judge emphasized that Sharp's decision to stand trial did not warrant any leniency in sentencing.

Sharp will be required to serve at least two-thirds of his seven-year sentence before becoming eligible for release on licence.

Following the sentencing, PC Kate Healey of the Calderdale District Safeguarding Unit at West Yorkshire Police expressed gratitude to the victim for her courage in coming forward and enduring the lengthy legal process.

"I think the sentence reflects the seriousness of Sharp's offending," said PC Healey. "He committed his crimes against a vulnerable victim, which was the ultimate betrayal of the trust of the victim and her family. Hopefully this sentence goes some way towards providing the victim with some comfort and closure to what has been the most horrific time of her life."

PC Healey also urged anyone who has been a victim of abuse, regardless of when it occurred, to come forward and report it. "We will thoroughly investigate all reports and do all that we can to secure justice," she stated.