PONTEFRACT MUM BEVERLEY TILLYER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 14-YEAR-OLDS AT HER PONTEFRACT HOME

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Pontefract, Beverley Tillyer, a 40-year-old woman, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for engaging in sexual activities with three teenage boys, all aged 14, at her residence. The offences, which spanned several months during 2008, involved repeated sexual encounters with the victims, who were under her care and influence during a period marked by her chaotic household environment.

According to court proceedings, Tillyer not only allowed the boys to engage in sexual acts with her at parties hosted at her home near Pontefract but also facilitated their consumption of alcohol and drugs during these gatherings. The gravity of her misconduct was further underscored by evidence presented in Leeds Crown Court, where it was revealed that she was filmed on one occasion having sex with two of the victims. Additionally, she visited the home of one of the teenagers, where she also engaged in sexual activity with him.

Prosecutor Dave Mackay detailed that the abuse took place over a period of several months, with Tillyer having sexual relations with the first victim on six separate occasions, twice with the second victim, and once with the third. All but one of these incidents occurred at her then residence near Pontefract. The case came to light in 2015 when a woman reported her suspicions to the police, leading to an investigation that successfully traced the victims and uncovered the extent of the abuse.

One of the victims described how the traumatic experiences had a lasting impact on his life, causing a breakdown in family relationships. Another victim expressed that the abuse had severely affected his confidence and instilled a fear of seeing Tillyer again. During her initial police interview, Tillyer denied any wrongdoing, claiming that she had been raped by the boys. However, she later pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Judge James Spencer, QC, sentenced Tillyer to two and a half years in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of her actions. He stated, “You took advantage of those boys when you should have shown a more responsible attitude. Of course they were willing participants but you were the adult. The adult has to take care of children even when they are 14 and think they know it all. Because of the degree of seriousness here, it does seem to me that there has to be a prison sentence.”

Furthermore, Tillyer was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years, reflecting the court’s view of the gravity of her misconduct and the need for ongoing public protection.