JOHN THORPE OF BINGLEY AND APPERLEY BRIDGE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Bingley and Apperley Bridge, John Thorpe, a 61-year-old former school caretaker, has been sentenced to five years in prison for the sexual abuse of two young children over a decade ago. The crimes, which took place in Thorpe’s home, have brought to light disturbing details of exploitation and betrayal of trust.

Thorpe, who resided on Park Hill Grove in Bingley, was convicted by a jury on multiple charges, including six counts of indecency with a child, two counts of indecent assault, and one count of indecency towards a male. The allegations stem from incidents that occurred more than ten years ago, involving a girl and a boy who were both minors at the time.

The court heard that Thorpe was employed as a caretaker at Woodhouse Grove School, located in Apperley Bridge, for a period of six years. His employment ended following his arrest and subsequent conviction. During the proceedings, Thorpe’s defense lawyer, Geraldine Kelly, presented the court with references that described him as a man of good character, highlighting the positive reputation he once held. Judge Peter Benson acknowledged these character references but emphasized the severity of the crimes committed.

Prosecutor Kirsty Watson detailed the impact of Thorpe’s actions on his victims. The female victim, who was between seven and nine years old at the time, was left deeply traumatized by the abuse. She had initially refrained from reporting the incident out of fear that no one would believe her. She recounted that Thorpe sexually abused her in his garden shed after they had spent time together picking peas. During the assault, Thorpe instructed her to remove her knickers before he indecently touched her.

The second victim, a young boy, was assaulted with the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner by Thorpe more than ten years ago. The court heard that the boy initially thought the incident was some sort of joke but later realized he had been subjected to abuse.

Judge Benson condemned Thorpe for abusing the trust placed in him by his victims and their families. As part of his sentence, Thorpe is required to register as a sex offender for life. Additionally, an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order has been imposed, prohibiting him from contacting his victims or working with children in any capacity.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Vanessa Smith of the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit expressed her thoughts on the case. She stated, “Thorpe took advantage of his victims’ young ages and vulnerability to carry out indecent assaults on them. We would like to thank the victims for their courage in coming forward and hope that the sentence passed down today will help to bring them some closure. The Bradford District Safeguarding Unit has specially trained officers who will thoroughly investigate any reports of sexual abuse, whether historic or otherwise, with the aim of bringing the perpetrators to justice.”