'PREDATORY' SEX OFFENDER, 83, JAILED FOR ABUSING GIRLS UNDER 15 OVER A DECADE AGO
An 83-year-old man has received a prison sentence after being convicted of numerous sexual crimes committed against two female victims over a period of more than a decade.James Butterworth, from Huddersfield and aged 83, was found guilty of a series of sexual offences that occurred between 2007 and 2017.
In the early 2020s, both survivors separately reported their experiences to authorities, prompting investigations by specialist safeguarding detectives.
Butterworth was identified as the suspect in both cases and was arrested in July and subsequently in August 2021.
Following a comprehensive and detailed investigation, he was summoned to court in 2025.
His initial offences happened between 2007 and 2010, leading to convictions on two counts of sexual assault on a female and two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15.
He was also convicted of four additional charges related to a second victim.
Between 2014 and 2017, Butterworth assaulted a girl under the age of 13 by engaging in sexual touching.
On Tuesday, June 16, at Leeds Crown Court, Butterworth was sentenced to a total of four years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences.
DC Joanne Hyde of the Kirklees Criminal Exploitation Team, who led the case alongside PC Bailey, stated: “Both survivors have demonstrated significant bravery and resolve in coming forward and supporting the prosecution.
Butterworth is a dangerous and predatory sex offender who exploited these young girls, committing various sexual offences against them.
The impact of these offences has left lasting trauma for the victims, and we hope that today’s sentencing provides some measure of closure for them.”
