AIDEN ATKINSON FROM KIRKSTALL, LEEDS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Aiden Atkinson, a 20-year-old resident of Cragside Mount in Kirkstall, Leeds, has been handed down a prison sentence of two years and four months following his conviction for sexually assaulting a young girl aged just 13. The offenses took place over a span of several years, specifically between 2015 and 2018, during which Atkinson was entrusted with the care of the girl by her mother. His actions, which involved two separate incidents, have caused significant distress and trauma to the victim.

Jurors at Leeds Crown Court found Atkinson guilty of two counts of sexual assault involving a child under the age of 13. The first incident involved inappropriate touching within the girl’s bedroom, a private space where she should have felt safe. The second incident occurred while the girl was walking to a relative’s house, during which Atkinson sexually abused her in the woods nearby. These acts of abuse not only breached the girl’s trust but also inflicted lasting emotional and psychological harm.

The presiding judge, Sean Morris, emphasized the severity of Atkinson’s breach of trust and the damaging nature of his offenses. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Morris pointed out that Atkinson’s conduct was particularly egregious given the position of responsibility he held over the young girl. The judge also highlighted that Atkinson showed no remorse during his testimony, which influenced the court’s decision to deny him a suspended sentence. Instead, he was sentenced to serve half of his prison term on license, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Atkinson digitally penetrated the girl, an act he attempted to justify by saying, “I’m sorry, I can’t help it,” a statement that further underscored his lack of remorse and the violation of her trust. The court described his actions as deeply harmful, noting the significant impact on the victim’s well-being. The case has drawn attention to the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the devastating consequences when trust is betrayed by someone they depend on for care and protection.