Locations
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Description
A man who sexually abused a young girl on Boxing Day has been jailed.
"This incident has had a significant impact on my wellbeing and daily life. It affected me so much that I often couldn't sleep properly and would stay awake all night.
Sometimes, I couldn't get myself out of bed for school. Even when I did manage to fall asleep, I would wake repeatedly throughout the night.
"I continue to feel scared when I am home alone, particularly if someone knocks at the door. I always fear that it is him, despite knowing that he is not allowed to come near my home."
These are the words taken from the victim personal statement of a girl who was abused by Leeds man Anthony Higo.
Child safeguarding detectives have commended the courage of the young survivor following the sentencing of Anthony Higo, aged 43.
Higo was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court yesterday (5 August), after being found guilty of sexual assault by touching on a 13-year-old girl. He was denied bail and remanded into custody.
Higo has been sentenced to 21 months imprisonment and placed on the sex offenders register. He is also the subject of both a restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The offences against the victim took place on December 26, 2023, and the offending was first reported to police in January 2024, leading to Higo’s arrest.
DC Heather Richmond said:
“The survivor in this case has shown genuine bravery and determination in coming forwards and then supporting a prosecution against this man.
"We hope seeing him imprisoned can bring them some comfort and we continue to urge all victims of sexual offending to contact us, whether recent or non-recent, so we can create safer communities.”