Keighley man jailed for child sex offences after victim comes forward almost 40 years later
The 75 year old will spend five years behind bars
A Keighley man is starting a five year prison term, after being found guilty of the sexual abuse of a young girl in the 1980s.
75 year old Henry Carson, of Clayton Rise, was found guilty of committing acts of gross indecency and indecent assault with a girl under the age of 14 around 40 years ago.
He was reported by the victim as an adult in 2022, before being charged in 2024 following an investigation.
Detective Constable Paul Campbell of West Yorkshire Police 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.”