South Kirkby man jailed for 13 years for sexual abuse of teenager in the 1980s and 1990s
Alan Ward was aged in his 30s when he initiated a sexual relationship with the victim, who was 14 at the time.
Last updated 7th Jul 2026
A South Kirkby man has been jailed for more than a decade for numerous sexual offences against a teenager during the 1980s and 1990s.
Alan Ward was aged in his 30s when he initiated a sexual relationship with the victim, who was 14 at the time, continuing until she was in her late teens.
The court heard how Ward, previously employed at a petrol station on Barnsley Road, South Kirkby, would assault the girl, telling her: “I’m getting you ready for when you’re sixteen.”
The victim came forward to police in 2020.
Ward denied the allegations but was found guilty at Leeds Crown Court of four counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16 and one count of buggery during the same period.
Appearing for sentencing at Leeds Crown Court, Ward, aged 71, received a 13-year concurrent jail term.
In an impact statment, the survivor in the case said: “I was a teenager who was just finding her place in this world, looking for care, love and acceptance, all of which were sadly lacking in my reality."
"You took this need and my naivety and warped it and used it to satisfy your paedophilic needs.
“You took so much from me, that wasn’t yours to take.
“You preyed on my weaknesses and vulnerability to feed your twisted and perverse desires. What was taken can never be given back, what was endured can never be forgotten.
“For years I repressed my pain and shame, but it was always there. It was there in my intimate relationships; it was there in my lack of self-worth and self-esteem."
Detective Constable Anna Potton of West Yorkshire Police said: “The victim has shown immense bravery in coming forward and going through a lengthy legal process in which she had to relive her ordeal by giving evidence against her abuser."
"Ward is behind bars where he cannot pose a threat to any other children. I hope that his conviction and sentence bring the victim some comfort as she begins to move on with her life.
"West Yorkshire Police has dedicated safeguarding units across each district of the force. We are here to listen when you are ready, and we will investigate what is reported to us.
"If you’ve been the victim of rape, sexual assault or any other sexual offence, please report it to us. It's never too late."