ANDREW DAFFERN FROM HUDDERSFIELD SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN MOLDGREEN
In a case that has shocked the local community, Andrew Daffern, a resident of Huddersfield, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after pleading guilty to serious charges of child sexual abuse.The offences took place in Moldgreen, where Daffern, aged 52, engaged in disturbing acts of sexual assault against a young girl under the age of 13.
On the first day of his trial at Leeds Crown Court, Daffern admitted to two counts of sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.
Despite his guilty plea, the presiding judge, Recorder John Thackray, expressed skepticism about Daffern’s remorsefulness.
The judge stated explicitly that he did not believe Daffern was genuinely remorseful, noting that if he truly felt remorseful, he would have admitted to the offences earlier in the process.
The court heard detailed accounts of Daffern’s manipulative behavior.
It was revealed that he would carefully ensure that the victim was alone before committing the abuse, a tactic that indicated deliberate planning and grooming.
Judge Thackray described this as “deliberate isolation,” emphasizing the calculated nature of Daffern’s actions.
The court also noted that Daffern would play games and make the girl laugh as part of his grooming process, further highlighting the manipulative tactics used to gain her trust.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, provided a heartbreaking victim impact statement.
She expressed her confusion and sadness, saying, “When things were happening to me, I was sad because I didn’t understand why he was doing these things to me.
I felt sad when I told the police.” Her words underscored the profound emotional and psychological impact of Daffern’s abuse.
Judge Thackray pointed out the aggravating factors in the case, including the level of culpability, the premeditated grooming, and the deliberate nature of the abuse.
He described Daffern as “a determined offender” who was unable to control his perverted desires, which contributed to the severity of his sentence.
As a result, Daffern was sentenced to nine years in prison.
The court also ordered that he serve half of this term before becoming eligible for release, followed by an additional year on conditional license.
Throughout the proceedings, Daffern showed no reaction, merely shaking his head in the dock as the judge summarized the gravity of his offending.
The case has left a lasting impact on the community in Huddersfield and Moldgreen, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children.
