Daniel Garside 40

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Teenagers whose courage helped jail a dangerous Kirklees child sex offender for nearly 20 years have described how his appalling abuse has left them violated and broken. 

Kirklees Safeguarding detectives commended the bravery of two now teenage victims following the sentencing of Daniel Garside, aged 40, at Leeds Crown Court today for 20 separate sexual offences including multiple counts of rape. 

He was sentenced to 19 years in prison with a year’s extended licence and must register on the sex offenders register for life.

Garside, of Waltons Heights Liversedge admitted 15 serious sexual offences against one of his victims including rape, attempted rape and causing a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.  

The offending against her took place between 2020 and 2025 starting when she was a young girl aged under 13.

In a victim impact statement read to Leeds Crown Court, she said his abuse had caused her to suffer depression, confidence issues and left her struggling to form relationships.

She said: “I wish none of this had happened and I could just live my life normally but instead I must live with what happened and the effect it has had on me.  I feel like I’m broken.”

Meanwhile, Garside was also convicted of two sexual assault offences and three of making indecent images of a second victim between the years 2020 and 2023. She was also just a young child when the sexual abuse began.

A victim statement was read to the court in which she said Garside’s actions had left her feeling “violated” and that now even “something as innocent as a friend giving me a hug” made her feel uncomfortable.

Garside’s crimes were brought to police attention in June 2025 when his first victim came forward to disclose the abuse she had suffered.

An investigation was launched by the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, resulting in him being swiftly arrested

Officers were able to identify the second victim as a result of the investigation.  She later came forward to support the investigation and his prosecution.

DC Angus Whitehead of the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, said:

“We welcome the sentence handed down to Daniel Garside today by Leeds Crown Court. Garside is a dangerous and manipulative offender who has engaged in a campaign of sexual abuse against some of the most vulnerable in our society. This lengthy prison sentence reflects how egregious Garside was in his offending. 

“I commend the victims for their courage and fortitude throughout the investigation in the face of Garside’s continued dishonesty. I can only hope this result brings them some solace and closure. “

Detective Inspector Paul Greatorex of the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, added:

“The victims in this appalling case showed tremendous bravery throughout the investigation and court proceedings.  

“Their fortitude in supporting the police and colleagues at the CPS with the investigation and prosecution has resulted in Garside being made to pay for crimes which have had a dreadful and long lasting impact on them both.

“West Yorkshire Police remains dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable among us and holding perpetrators to account, as the detailed and complex investigation mounted by detectives in this case demonstrates. 

“I want to encourage any victims of unreported sexual offences, whether recent or non-recent, to please come forward and report them to us. 

“Our specialist officers will support you through the criminal justice process, and we will thoroughly investigate and bring those responsible to justice.”