GRAHAM HOWARD FROM KNOTTINGLEY SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN YORK
| Red Rose Database
Knottingley Rapist
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, Graham Leslie Howard, a 47-year-old resident of Croft Avenue in Knottingley, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 30 years for a series of heinous crimes involving the abuse of children. Howard's criminal activities spanned multiple locations, including York, Scarborough, and Darlington, reflecting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that has left a lasting impact on the victims and their families.
Howard was brought before York Crown Court on August 23, 2019, where he was convicted on a total of 18 charges related to the sexual and physical abuse of young children. The court heard that he was responsible for eleven counts of child rape, two counts of indecency with a child, three counts of indecent assault, and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activities. These charges paint a grim picture of the extent of his crimes, which involved exploiting vulnerable children in a manner described by authorities as "unspeakable, sickening abuse, both sexual and physical."
In addition to the sexual offenses, Howard faced allegations of cruelty to children. He was scheduled to stand trial for three such charges; however, he chose to plead guilty to these offenses just before the trial commenced, thereby avoiding a separate trial. This decision underscores the severity of his actions and the overwhelming evidence against him.
North Yorkshire Police, who led the investigation, expressed their condemnation of Howard's actions, emphasizing the profound harm inflicted upon the young victims. The police statement highlighted the brutality and depravity of the abuse, which has left a lasting scar on the community and the children involved. The lengthy sentence handed down by the court reflects the gravity of the crimes and the society’s commitment to protecting children from such predatory individuals.
Howard was brought before York Crown Court on August 23, 2019, where he was convicted on a total of 18 charges related to the sexual and physical abuse of young children. The court heard that he was responsible for eleven counts of child rape, two counts of indecency with a child, three counts of indecent assault, and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activities. These charges paint a grim picture of the extent of his crimes, which involved exploiting vulnerable children in a manner described by authorities as "unspeakable, sickening abuse, both sexual and physical."
In addition to the sexual offenses, Howard faced allegations of cruelty to children. He was scheduled to stand trial for three such charges; however, he chose to plead guilty to these offenses just before the trial commenced, thereby avoiding a separate trial. This decision underscores the severity of his actions and the overwhelming evidence against him.
North Yorkshire Police, who led the investigation, expressed their condemnation of Howard's actions, emphasizing the profound harm inflicted upon the young victims. The police statement highlighted the brutality and depravity of the abuse, which has left a lasting scar on the community and the children involved. The lengthy sentence handed down by the court reflects the gravity of the crimes and the society’s commitment to protecting children from such predatory individuals.