ALLAN REDHEAD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN LEEDS GARDEN SHED
In July 2019, an 81-year-old man named Allan Redhead from Leeds was convicted and sentenced to prison for sexually abusing a young girl in his own garden shed.The disturbing incidents occurred over a period of ten months at Redhead's residence on Cautley Road, Cross Green, where he engaged in repeated inappropriate conduct towards the 10-year-old victim.
Leeds Crown Court heard that Redhead touched the girl over her clothing despite her pleas for him to stop.
On one particularly troubling occasion, he attempted to touch her under her clothing, further exacerbating the severity of his actions.
The court was informed that these offenses took place multiple times over nearly a year, causing significant emotional trauma to the young girl.
The case came to light after the girl, overwhelmed with distress, broke down in tears in front of her family members and disclosed the abuse she had endured.
Following her revelation, police were promptly contacted, leading to Redhead's arrest.
During police interviews, Redhead admitted that he may have touched the girl inappropriately, claiming that his actions were intended to 'cheer her up.' Redhead, who resides at Cautley Road, Cross Green, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual touching of a child.
The court was presented with a victim statement, read aloud by prosecutor Christopher Dunn, which detailed the profound impact the abuse had on the young girl.
The victim expressed her ongoing struggles, stating that she experienced sleepless nights for several weeks after the police interview.
She revealed that she is now very quiet in class, especially when meeting new people, and finds it difficult to concentrate during lessons about crime.
She also shared her discomfort with wearing shorts in public, preferring to wear a hoodie even in hot weather.
The girl described her friendships at school as a source of support, but admitted that some days she would burst into tears.
Judge Christopher Batty addressed the court, emphasizing the lasting damage caused by Redhead's actions.
He stated, 'Even as a young child, this has had a significant effect on her.
She does not sleep at night.
She is anxious and stressed.' The judge expressed regret that Redhead's actions warranted an immediate custodial sentence, noting that only such a sentence could adequately reflect the gravity of the offense.
He also remarked, 'I am not sorry for you, I am sorry for your wife.' As part of his sentence, Redhead was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years, underscoring the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
