DAVID BOLTON BRADFORD PENSIONER SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF CHILD SEX ABUSE
In a case that has shocked the community of Bradford, a 77-year-old man named David Bolton has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual offences committed over a span of more than thirty years.The Bradford Crown Court sentenced Bolton to an extensive term of 22 years in prison on May 10, following a detailed trial where a jury found him guilty of six counts of rape, seven sexual assaults, and an indecent assault.
Bolton, a resident of Balfour Street in Bradford, was identified as the perpetrator through a lengthy investigation initiated by the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit.
The case was opened in February 2017 after a woman came forward to report that she had been sexually abused by Bolton at an address within the city when she was only six years old.
This initial disclosure prompted a broader investigation that eventually uncovered three additional victims, all of whom had suffered at the hands of Bolton over the years.
The crimes spanned multiple decades, with the youngest victim being just six years old at the time of her abuse.
The investigation revealed disturbing details, including an incident where Bolton tied a young girl’s hands to a bathroom washbasin with string to facilitate his assault.
Another victim was reportedly coerced with expensive gifts, which Bolton used as a means to silence her, while he repeatedly raped her.
These revelations underscored the severity and depravity of Bolton’s actions.
During the trial, Bolton, who previously worked as a security guard, displayed defiance and hostility.
As he was remanded into custody, he shouted “p*ss off,” and loudly expressed his disdain for the proceedings, dismissing the court’s judgment as “a load of pigging rubbish.” His outburst was witnessed by jurors and court officials, adding a tense and confrontational tone to the proceedings.
The court heard that Bolton had lived at various addresses in the East Bowling area of Bradford.
Despite his age and health, including a diagnosis of early-stage dementia, a psychiatrist had deemed him fit to stand trial.
Bolton’s legal representative, Richard Canning, indicated that given the inevitable lengthy sentence, there was no request for further medical or probation reports before sentencing.
Judge Jonathan Rose, presiding over the case, decided to postpone sentencing to allow for the preparation of victim impact statements, which would provide insight into the long-term effects of Bolton’s crimes.
Addressing Bolton directly, the judge emphasized the gravity of the offences, describing them as “horrendous” and “appalling,” and warned that Bolton was likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The judge made it clear that Bolton would remain in custody until the formal sentencing.
As the court proceedings concluded, Bolton’s frustration boiled over.
He dropped his walking stick with a loud clatter in the dock and shouted “P*ss off!” loudly enough for all present to hear.
He then continued to vociferously complain, questioning the justice system and calling the verdict “a load of pigging rubbish.” After Judge Rose asked if he had anything else to say, Bolton was escorted away to the cells by security officers, leaving a community shaken by the revelations of his crimes and the severity of his punishment.
