Cleckheaton man starting 18 year sentence for sexual abuse of children
The 39 year old will remain on the Sex Offenders' Register for life
A Cleckheaton man has been jailed for 18 years for sexual offences against three girls under the age of 13.
Leeds Crown Court heard 39 year old Antonio Napolitano, of Turnsteads Drive, targeted his victims over a 10 year period.
He was convicted of three counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration and five counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching.
Alongside the lengthy prison term, he has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and issued a restraining order.
Detective Constable Yvonne Brear, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Napolitano is a dangerous sexual predator who has preyed on vulnerable young girls."
“One of the victims made a disclosure to a trusted person in 2017 about offences committed against her two years earlier. She then had the further courage to report this to the police. An investigation was carried out but unfortunately at that time we were not able to charge Napolitano with any offences.
“Two further reports were made in January 2025 relating to offences against two other girls. Extensive enquiries were conducted into these crimes and this also included reviewing the previous report made against Napolitano.
“We were able to arrest and charge Napolitano with offences against all three victims within days of these two further victims coming forward. He has been remanded in custody since that time.
“All three girls were under the age of 13 when these offences have been committed against them and they have shown considerable bravery throughout this process. I hope that they, and the wider public, are reassured that Napolitano is now behind bars.
“If anyone has been the victim of child sex abuse, whether recently or in the past, there are specialist child safeguarding units within West Yorkshire Police who will listen and investigate when you feel ready to report.”