BARRY MCNULTY FROM BINGLEY AND KEIGHLEY SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOYS IN KEIGHLEY

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Keighley and Bingley, Barry McNulty, aged 63, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 14 years after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving vulnerable boys. The conviction was handed down at Leeds Crown Court yesterday, where the jury found McNulty guilty of a series of heinous crimes committed over a span of 15 years while he resided in Keighley.

McNulty, who is currently residing at Wingfield Nursing Home in Bingley, was found guilty of two counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault, five counts of indecency with a male child, three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a boy under the age of 16, and two additional sexual assault charges involving boys. The offences in question took place between the years 1993 and 2009, highlighting a prolonged period of abuse that has left a lasting scar on the victims and their families.

In addition to the prison sentence, McNulty was ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, a measure intended to protect the community from further harm. During the sentencing, Judge Scott Wolstenholme, who addressed McNulty in his wheelchair, emphasized the predatory nature of his actions, stating that he had targeted vulnerable boys for his own gratification.

Following the conclusion of the case, Detective Constable Alison Hanson, who played a key role in leading the police investigation, spoke about the extent of the abuse. She explained that the offences spanned over a decade and involved three teenage boys, two of whom had recognized learning difficulties. Det Con Hanson detailed how the victims had initially visited McNulty’s home after he befriended them, often engaging in activities such as playing PlayStation. However, once trust was established, McNulty exploited their naivety and vulnerability to commit his crimes.

Hanson further revealed that the abuse only came to light when the third victim confided in his mother, who then reported the matter to the police. She expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “The convictions are a good result for all the families involved and we are pleased with the outcome.”

Adding a darker chapter to McNulty’s story, in July 2009, he was violently attacked at his sheltered accommodation in Keighley by John Bennett, aged 28, of Strong Close. Bennett, who believed McNulty had molested a boy, was convicted of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon. He was sentenced to six years in prison in November 2009 for his assault.

These events underscore the disturbing nature of the case and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims of sexual abuse in the Keighley and Bingley areas.