ADAM GREENHOUGH FROM HALIFAX AND BRADFORD FACES JAIL FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLBOY
In a case that has shocked the communities of Bradford and Halifax, Adam Greenhough, aged 30, has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a 13-year-old schoolboy.The incident dates back to January 2011, when Greenhough traveled from Halifax to Bradford to pick up the young boy after school hours.
Court proceedings revealed that at the time, the teenager was still dressed in his school uniform when Greenhough drove him onto remote moorland, where the abuse occurred.
Bradford Crown Court heard that Greenhough, who has since been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and autism, initially made contact with the boy through an internet chat platform intended for adults over 18.
However, before their meeting, Greenhough became aware that the young person was under 16 years old.
Despite this knowledge, Greenhough, who was 26 at the time, proceeded to arrange a meeting with the teenager.
During the encounter, the court was told that sexual acts took place, including oral sex, on the moorland site.
Judge Peter Benson emphasized that Greenhough must have been aware of the significant age difference and the vulnerability of the young boy.
The judge pointed out that Greenhough, who had no prior criminal record, nonetheless chose to pursue a sexual encounter with a minor.
“You, nonetheless, went on to seek sexual gratification with him,” Judge Benson stated.
Greenhough had consistently denied the charges until he entered guilty pleas in March of this year.
A previous trial, which involved the complainant giving evidence, was abandoned last September.
The impact statement presented during the sentencing highlighted the profound distress and suffering experienced by the young victim and his family.
It was noted that Greenhough only accepted responsibility for his actions at a late stage, which added to the emotional strain on those affected.
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Benson issued a lifelong order prohibiting Greenhough from having any contact with the victim.
Furthermore, Greenhough is required to register as a sex offender with the police for the remainder of his life.
During the proceedings, Greenhough’s legal representative, Barrister Edward Bindloss, argued that a suspended sentence might be appropriate, citing Greenhough’s difficulties and the potential harm that incarceration could cause him.
He also pointed out that the case did not involve threats or coercion, and that the incident was out of character for Greenhough, occurring over three years ago with no subsequent offending behavior.
Earlier in March 2014, Greenhough had already pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of meeting a child following sexual grooming.
The court had been informed that Greenhough, residing at Mixenden Court in Halifax, had initially faced a trial for five alleged offences involving the same boy.
However, the jury was discharged midway through the trial, and the case was subsequently retried, leading to the guilty pleas accepted by the Crown.
The judge, David Hatton QC, has adjourned sentencing until May 9, with the possibility of a prison term looming for Greenhough, who is also facing a warning that he may be imprisoned for his actions.
