KEVIN DOLAN JAILED FOR 10 YEARS IN HALIFAX FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS HE BABYSAT

In February 2013, the victims of Kevin Dolan, a man from Halifax, courageously broke their silence after decades of suffering in silence. Dolan, aged 47 at the time of sentencing, was convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses committed against two young girls he was entrusted to care for as a babysitter. The crimes included one count of rape, three counts of indecent assault, and one count of indecency with a child.

These disturbing revelations came to light after Dolan, residing at Ling Bob Croft, Highroad Well, allegedly left a note denying any wrongdoing concerning the incidents from years earlier. The victims, who were very young at the time—one as young as four—had kept their traumatic experiences hidden for many years, only opening up to each other on the occasion of the youngest girl’s 21st birthday.

They explained that the pain and shame associated with their ordeals had prevented them from speaking out earlier. It was only after the note surfaced that they felt compelled to report the abuse to the authorities, driven by a fear that someone else might also become a victim. One of the victims shared that the abuse had a profound impact on her life, leading her into a troubled path that included drug abuse. The other victim emphasized the importance of her husband's support in helping her cope with the emotional scars.

Both women urged others who have experienced any form of abuse to come forward and report it to the police, regardless of how much time has passed. One victim expressed her hope that others would find the courage to speak out, saying, “I’d urge people to be brave. There is the fear that you won’t be believed and you worry what people will think but I felt such relief when everyone did.”

During the trial at Leeds Crown Court, Judge Colin Burn sentenced Dolan to a decade behind bars. The judge acknowledged Dolan’s youth at the time of the offenses but emphasized the gravity of his actions. The court heard that Dolan referred to each of the girls as his “special person,” a detail that the jury found particularly compelling. Judge Burn remarked that the victims had suffered long-lasting and deep-seated trauma as a result of Dolan’s actions many years ago.

He also noted that the considerable delay in bringing the case to court did not warrant a reduction in sentence, as the victims had suppressed their trauma for a long period. In addition to the prison term, Dolan was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

Representing Dolan, Christopher Tehrani argued that Dolan had only been responsible for the girls for brief periods and continued to deny the allegations. He also highlighted Dolan’s personal issues, suggesting that incarceration would be particularly difficult for him.

Detective Inspector Gail Lawrie, who led the Calderdale District Safeguarding Unit during the investigation, expressed her thoughts on the case. She stated, “West Yorkshire Police takes all reports of abuse extremely seriously. This case highlights the bravery of the victims in coming forward, having the confidence to report such horrific abuse, and the police having the specialist resources, facilities, and partnership arrangements to bring dangerous offenders to justice and continue to safeguard and protect the public from serious harm.”

Inspector Lawrie further emphasized the betrayal of trust involved, noting that Dolan, who was seen as a close family friend, exploited his position to commit these heinous acts against vulnerable children. She added, “As a mother myself, I can only imagine the heartache and suffering the victims and their families endured. There is nothing more important and precious in life than your child’s safety and well-being. While physical abuse may cease, the emotional scars remain lifelong. I hope that the sentence will bring some measure of closure to the victims.”