BURNLEY PENSIONER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON GIRL, 11, ON BUS
A 71-year-old man was convicted of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl after following her onto a bus and inappropriately touching her.According to court proceedings at Burnley Crown Court, Alfie Holt claimed that his hand had accidentally come into contact with the girl’s knee while he was trying to steady himself during a sharp turn on the bus.
He also stated that he had been intoxicated at the time and could not remember the incident, affirming that he was not sexually attracted to children.
The judge, Richard Gioserano, dismissed these assertions, asserting that Holt displayed distorted sexual thoughts.
Prosecutor Lisa Worsley explained that the girl, dressed in her school uniform, boarded the bus with her family at around 3.45 pm on June 18 and sat at the back.
Her mother became suspicious when Holt, who was already on the vehicle and staring at the girl, moved next to her daughter.
She instructed her daughter to sit closer, but the girl, unaware of any danger, said she was fine.
The mother observed and later heard the girl say “I’m sorry,” at which point she saw Holt’s hand touch her leg.
A male passenger, who noticed Holt’s unusual behavior and took off his headphones to listen, confirmed seeing Holt’s hand visibly lift the girl’s skirt so he could see her underwear.
This witness then intervened, detaining Holt and alerting the driver.
The girl told police she was crying and explained that Holt had asked if she was going to Burnley after he sat next to her.
She said Holt touched her leg, initially believing it was accidental, but he responded with confusion.
Holt then touched her again, this time higher up on her leg.
When interviewed by police, Holt admitted he moved to the back of the bus and claimed that the incident was an accidental contact caused by the bus turning a corner.
Holt, of Padiham, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child under 13.
It was revealed that he had 12 past convictions covering 20 offences, including attempted rape and multiple indecent assaults.
His solicitor emphasized that his previous convictions were old and that he had no predatory tendencies, mentioning his career as a painter and decorator and recent residence in a retirement home.
The judge sentenced Holt to nine months in prison, suspended for two years, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation through a sexual offender treatment program.
Holt is required to complete 20 days of therapy, attend a sexual offences program, and register as a sex offender for ten years.
Additionally, he is subject to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order.
