GEORGE HUNT FROM BEAULY AND HALIFAX SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF SEXUAL ABUSE ON YOUNG GIRLS IN BRADFORD AND SCOTLAND
| Red Rose Database
Halifax Beauly Sexual Abuser
In a case that has spanned over two decades, George Hunt, a 90-year-old man with connections to both Halifax and Beauly, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for the sexual abuse of six young girls. The sentencing took place at Bradford Crown Court, where Judge Richard Mansell QC, the Recorder of Bradford, delivered the verdict via a video link to Newcastle Crown Court.
Hunt, who now resides on Aird Road in Beauly, Inverness, but was formerly associated with Halifax, pleaded guilty to ten charges of indecent assault. These offenses occurred over a period of 23 years, highlighting a prolonged pattern of abuse. The court was also informed that Hunt had assaulted a seventh girl in Scotland, outside the jurisdiction of the Bradford court. Had this case gone to trial, this victim would have provided the jury with evidence of Hunt’s prior bad character, further implicating him.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that some of Hunt’s victims were so distressed that they cried as they recounted their experiences to the police. One woman, who was among the victims, described how she had transformed from a lively, fun-loving girl into someone plagued by anxiety and panic attacks. She expressed feelings of shame and dirtiness, blaming herself for many years. Another victim shared that the memories of the abuse haunted her, severely impacting her entire life.
Initially, after his arrest, Hunt denied all allegations. He was scheduled to stand trial on December 14 but chose to admit to the offenses during the court hearing. His defense argued that, given his age and the fact that he had lived with the police investigation since 2016, he no longer posed a threat to children. Jeff Smith, representing Hunt, stated that “nothing would be achieved by imprisoning this frail 90-year-old man,” emphasizing Hunt’s advanced age and long period of non-offending.
Smith also highlighted that Hunt was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions for a very long time and demonstrated considerable courage in admitting his guilt in court. The prosecution and the judge acknowledged the profound harm caused to the victims, with Judge Mansell describing how Hunt’s actions had robbed the girls of their childhoods and inflicted lasting trauma.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Mansell emphasized that the primary purpose of the punishment was retribution. He pointed out that Hunt was now too old to pose any real risk to children, especially considering the fact that he had delayed proceedings for three years by denying the charges. The judge stated, “Such sentences as I am going to pass are likely to mean that you will spend the rest of your days in prison.”
Hunt was sentenced to 11 years in prison, with an additional one-year extended license period. Furthermore, he is required to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his status and movements. The case underscores the devastating impact of long-term abuse and the importance of justice for victims, regardless of the offender’s age or circumstances.
Hunt, who now resides on Aird Road in Beauly, Inverness, but was formerly associated with Halifax, pleaded guilty to ten charges of indecent assault. These offenses occurred over a period of 23 years, highlighting a prolonged pattern of abuse. The court was also informed that Hunt had assaulted a seventh girl in Scotland, outside the jurisdiction of the Bradford court. Had this case gone to trial, this victim would have provided the jury with evidence of Hunt’s prior bad character, further implicating him.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that some of Hunt’s victims were so distressed that they cried as they recounted their experiences to the police. One woman, who was among the victims, described how she had transformed from a lively, fun-loving girl into someone plagued by anxiety and panic attacks. She expressed feelings of shame and dirtiness, blaming herself for many years. Another victim shared that the memories of the abuse haunted her, severely impacting her entire life.
Initially, after his arrest, Hunt denied all allegations. He was scheduled to stand trial on December 14 but chose to admit to the offenses during the court hearing. His defense argued that, given his age and the fact that he had lived with the police investigation since 2016, he no longer posed a threat to children. Jeff Smith, representing Hunt, stated that “nothing would be achieved by imprisoning this frail 90-year-old man,” emphasizing Hunt’s advanced age and long period of non-offending.
Smith also highlighted that Hunt was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions for a very long time and demonstrated considerable courage in admitting his guilt in court. The prosecution and the judge acknowledged the profound harm caused to the victims, with Judge Mansell describing how Hunt’s actions had robbed the girls of their childhoods and inflicted lasting trauma.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Mansell emphasized that the primary purpose of the punishment was retribution. He pointed out that Hunt was now too old to pose any real risk to children, especially considering the fact that he had delayed proceedings for three years by denying the charges. The judge stated, “Such sentences as I am going to pass are likely to mean that you will spend the rest of your days in prison.”
Hunt was sentenced to 11 years in prison, with an additional one-year extended license period. Furthermore, he is required to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his status and movements. The case underscores the devastating impact of long-term abuse and the importance of justice for victims, regardless of the offender’s age or circumstances.