BRADFORD COUNCILLOR BOB HARGREAVES SENTENCED FOR MOLESTATION OF YOUNG GIRLS IN BRADFORD

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bradford, Bob Hargreaves, a 62-year-old local politician and former school governor, was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of two young girls, both aged 11. The offences took place during the early 1990s, a period when Hargreaves was actively serving as a school governor and representing the Bolton and Undercliffe areas for the Liberal Democrats.

Hargreaves was brought before Bradford Crown Court, where a detailed ten-day trial revealed the extent of his heinous actions. The court heard that Hargreaves committed these acts in the back of a butcher’s shop, a location that added a layer of betrayal given his role in the community and his position as a figure of authority. The court was told that Hargreaves would often give the young girls money—specifically, three pounds after each incident—and would manipulate them into performing sexual acts.

The prosecution outlined that the abuse began when Hargreaves made one of the girls perform a sex act on him, paying her £3 and instructing her not to tell anyone. As the trial progressed, it was revealed that the abuse escalated, with Hargreaves indecently assaulting the same girl again. Prosecutor Sharon Beattie described how Hargreaves would make suggestive remarks, telling the girl, “Next time we will go a bit further on to better things,” indicating his intent to continue and intensify the abuse.

Concerned for her safety, the girl brought a friend along during subsequent visits, fearing Hargreaves might attempt to have sex with her. Unfortunately, Hargreaves then turned his attention to the second girl, also aged around 11, subjecting her to similar abuse and giving her money as well. The court heard that the abuse only ceased when Hargreaves attempted to rape one of the girls, reportedly placing twenty pounds down and asking, “Who’s going to be first?”—a chilling indication of his predatory behavior.

Hargreaves’s history of allegations was also discussed. He was questioned by police in 1994 following similar accusations, but although he was prosecuted, the case never proceeded to trial. During that time, Hargreaves denied the allegations, claiming that the first girl was attempting to blackmail him. Despite his denial, the recent conviction has led to his immediate removal from the Bradford Council, where he represented Bolton and Undercliffe.

As part of his sentence, Hargreaves will be required to register as a sex offender for life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes. His legal team has announced plans to appeal the sentence, though the victims—who have chosen to remain anonymous—expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that they believe the punishment was not sufficiently harsh given the gravity of the offenses committed against them.

All the abuse took place during the 1990s, a period that now casts a long shadow over the community of Bradford, raising questions about safeguarding and the protection of vulnerable children from individuals in positions of trust.