BRADFORD SEX OFFENDER GRAHAM LEAROYD SENTENCED FOR ABUSING BOYS IN THE 1980S AND 1990S
In a case that has shocked the community of Bradford, Graham Learoyd, a 67-year-old man residing on Little Horton Lane in Canterbury, has been sentenced to a total of six years in prison for the sexual abuse of two young boys during the 1980s and 1990s.The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about Learoyd’s calculated and predatory behavior, which spanned over several years and only came to light after one of the victims reported the abuse to authorities.
During the hearing at Bradford Crown Court, it was disclosed that Learoyd meticulously planned his offending, ensuring he avoided detection while carrying out his acts of abuse.
Prosecutor Richard Woolfall outlined the nature of Learoyd’s crimes, stating that in the first incident, Learoyd engaged in masturbation with one of the boys for his own sexual gratification, taking care to conceal his actions from being caught.
The court heard that Learoyd’s actions were deliberate and manipulative, aimed at satisfying his own desires without regard for the victim’s well-being.
The second incident involved Learoyd straddling the same boy, pressing his genitals against the child's chest.
The victim, overwhelmed and distressed, shouted for Learoyd to stop and to get off, indicating the severity of the assault.
The third offence was characterized by Learoyd touching the genitalia of the second boy in a sexual manner outside of his clothing, further demonstrating a pattern of predatory behavior.
It was only years later that the full extent of Learoyd’s offending was uncovered, when one of the victims decided to come forward and report the abuse to the police.
The court was presented with impact statements from both victims, revealing the long-lasting effects of Learoyd’s actions.
One victim described his statement as a “survivor’s letter,” explaining that he had become withdrawn as a young man and struggled to form friendships.
He expressed that he had not understood as a child that he was being exploited for Learoyd’s own benefit.
The victim also shared that his trust issues in romantic relationships stemmed from his childhood experiences, and he had spent years trying to come to terms with the trauma he endured.
The second victim reported suffering from anxiety and depression as a direct result of the abuse, highlighting the profound psychological impact Learoyd’s actions had on his life.
The court heard these personal accounts with great seriousness, emphasizing the lasting harm caused by the defendant’s misconduct.
Judge Tom Little, presiding over the case, delivered the sentence, condemning Learoyd’s actions as highly damaging.
He stated, “You regularly offended many years ago.
The impact of your offending was significant.
You admitted one count to police voluntarily but denied the other offences, and then pleaded guilty at trial.” As a result, Learoyd was sentenced to six years and four months for the first offence, three years for the second, and five months for the third, with all sentences to run concurrently.
Additionally, he was ordered to be subject to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, restricting his future conduct and monitoring to protect others from potential harm.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the devastating consequences of sexual abuse, especially when committed by someone trusted within the community of Bradford.
