JAMES O’BRIEN PONTEFRACT ELDER ABUSES YOUNG GIRLS AND IS JAILED FOR SIX YEARS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Pontefract, James O’Brien, a man who once held a respected position as an elder within the Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation, has been sentenced to six years in prison for a series of serious sexual offenses committed over a span of more than three decades.

O’Brien, now 60 years old and residing on School Road in the Chequerfield area of Pontefract, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of young girls. The court heard that he exploited his trusted role within the religious community to carry out these heinous acts, betraying the faith and trust placed in him by members of the congregation.

The court proceedings revealed that O’Brien’s misconduct included grooming and molesting young girls during religious meetings and social activities. One of his victims, a schoolgirl, recounted how he followed her into a kitchen when she was alone, away from other adults, as she was making tea at a meeting he was hosting. She described how he pulled her towards him, sexually assaulted her, and began to kiss her, actions that left her feeling angry and betrayed because she had trusted the adult worshippers at the Kingdom Hall.

Another girl, aged between 10 and 11 at the time, testified that O’Brien had touched her multiple times over her clothing during various religious activities. She recounted incidents where he assaulted her in a lift, while traveling in a car, and even when they were together using a computer. The court also heard that O’Brien admitted to offenses against three other girls, some of whom he had visited or helped care for, unrelated to his role as an elder.

One particularly disturbing account involved O’Brien telling an 11-year-old girl that he would teach her how to kiss properly, then proceeding to kiss her and instructing her to close her eyes to “make it sexier.” His pattern of abuse escalated over time, with incidents becoming more serious, including occasions where he encouraged the girls to touch him and engaged in sexual activities with them.

Prosecutor Richard Wright outlined the extent of O’Brien’s misconduct during the trial at Leeds Crown Court, emphasizing the betrayal of trust inherent in his position. The court was told that O’Brien’s offending spanned more than 30 years, a period during which he developed a disturbing pattern of grooming and escalating sexual activity.

O’Brien, who is no longer associated with the Kingdom Hall, was convicted of 13 counts of indecent assault, one count of engaging in sexual activity with a child, one count of sexual assault, and another sexual offense. The judge, Recorder of Leeds Judge Peter Collier QC, sentenced him to six years in prison, with an additional four years on license, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the risk of further offending.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Collier highlighted that O’Brien’s actions had caused significant harm and that his pattern of grooming had evolved over time, exploiting his religious role to facilitate his abuse. The judge also noted that O’Brien’s misconduct had a profound impact on his victims and the community.

John Nixon, representing O’Brien, told the court that his client was deeply ashamed and remorseful for his actions. As a consequence of his crimes, O’Brien’s marriage has ended, and he has been made bankrupt, losing many possessions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals within religious communities and the devastating effects of abuse perpetrated by trusted figures.