Locations
Clayton Rise, Keighley, Bradford, BD20
Description
A woman from Huddersfield has been commended for her courage after helping jail the man who seriously sexually abused her as a child.
Henry Carson, aged 75, of Clayton Rise, Keighley was jailed for 5 years at Leeds Crown Court today (Tuesday September 30) after being found guilty of two serious sexual offences in the 1980s.
Detectives from the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit said the woman’s bravery in coming forwards and supporting a lengthy investigation had been instrumental in putting Carson before a court.
The 75-year-old was found guilty by a jury of offences of committing acts of gross indecency and indecent assault with a girl under the age of 14.
His offending took place in Kirklees in the early 1980’s, and was reported by the victim as an adult in 2022.
Her report initiated a long running investigation by specialist child protection detectives.
It resulted in Carson eventually being charged in January 2024.
Detective Constable Paul Campbell of the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, who investigated the case said:
“We want to absolutely commend the bravery of the victim who endured awful offences at the hands of Carson, but whose courage has seen him being made to answer for this crimes.
“She was a defenceless young girl when he committed some dreadful sexual acts upon her and we welcome his sentencing for those offences at court today.
“I hope the victim in this case can take some comfort in seeing him jailed and should also be extremely proud of the courage she displayed in coming forwards in 2022 and taking that difficult first step in making her report.
“We are fully aware of just how difficult it can be to come forwards, especially many years after the offending took place, but this case and others like it demonstrate that the passage of time is no barrier on justice.
“We do continue to urge all victims of sexual offending who have not contacted us, for whatever reason to do so.
“Whether you are reporting a crime to us in Kirklees, or to colleagues in other parts of West Yorkshire, we can assure you specialist officers will listen and do all they can to investigate and seek justice for you.”