JOHNATHAN BEECH FROM CLECKHEATON SENTENCED FOR SEX ATTACKS ON WOMAN AND SCHOOLGIRL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Cleckheaton, 18-year-old Johnathan James Beech was found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses and was subsequently sentenced to a lengthy period of detention. The incidents, which occurred over a span of just two days, involved a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that culminated in a brutal attack on a woman walking her dog and an earlier assault on a young schoolgirl.

On the afternoon of July 14, Beech approached a 33-year-old woman on waste ground in Cleckheaton. According to court reports, the woman initially believed Beech was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, as he claimed to have been drinking vodka. He engaged her in casual conversation, but the tone quickly shifted when he attempted to touch her without consent. Despite her clear objections and commands for him to stop, Beech persisted, asking if he could have sex with her. When she firmly refused, he became aggressive, telling her, “You won’t have a choice in a minute.”

The woman was visibly frightened as Beech tried to pin her down. She shouted for him to get off, but her distress escalated when her dog, perceiving the altercation as play-fighting, jumped onto Beech in an attempt to defend her. This distraction allowed her to break free, and Beech then took her cigarettes from her bag before fleeing the scene.

Later that same day, Beech was arrested by police. By that time, he was also wanted for an earlier offense involving a schoolgirl on July 13. The court heard that Beech had approached the young girl in the street when she was just 12 years old. He had previously visited her home, but her father had made it clear that he was not welcome. On the day of the assault, Beech encountered the girl alone in an alleyway, where he attempted to persuade her to smoke cannabis. When she refused, he tried to kiss her. When she pushed him away, Beech did not desist but instead pushed her against a wall. The girl managed to escape when another person entered the alley, and Beech pretended he was just playing.

Both victims later expressed their fear of going out alone following their traumatic experiences. The court was told that Beech’s behavior demonstrated a pattern of predatory conduct and a disregard for the victims’ wishes and safety.

Representing Beech, solicitor Gillian Batts acknowledged that his guilty pleas indicated an acceptance of his wrongdoing. The court was informed that Beech had issues with alcohol and substance abuse, and that there was potential for rehabilitation if he received appropriate intervention.

During sentencing, Judge Robert Bartfield emphasized the seriousness of Beech’s actions. He pointed out that although the schoolgirl was not interested in Beech’s advances, he persisted regardless. The judge highlighted the attack on the woman walking her dog the day after the assault on the schoolgirl, describing Beech as a “dangerous individual” who needed to be removed from society for the foreseeable future. The judge noted that the woman was understandably petrified during the attack, and suggested that her dog’s reaction may have inadvertently saved her life.

As a result, Beech was sentenced to a total of eight years in a young offender institution, with an additional four years on licence after his release. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of his offenses and the need to protect the community from further harm.