NATHAN LORD FROM HALIFAX CRIES IN COURT AFTER ADMITTING CHILD SEXUAL OFFENSES

In a distressing courtroom scene at Bradford Crown Court, Nathan Lord, a 29-year-old man with no fixed address, was visibly overwhelmed with emotion as he admitted to committing sexual offenses against a young girl in Halifax. The court proceedings revealed the gravity of the case, which has sent shockwaves through the local community.

Judge Rodney Grant sentenced Lord to a minimum of 18 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to two charges of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The judge also imposed a ban on Lord working with children and mandated that he register as a sex offender, emphasizing the seriousness of his crimes and the potential risk he poses to society.

Prosecutor Gavin Howie provided details of the case, stating that the offenses occurred in July when Lord touched the girl on two separate occasions. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was reportedly subjected to these acts without her consent. The child's mother, upon discovering what had transpired, confronted Lord directly, which led to him voluntarily surrendering himself to authorities at Brighouse Police Station.

During police interviews, Lord admitted to rubbing the child's bottom, according to Mr. Howie. He reportedly told officers that he had instructed the girl not to tell anyone about the incidents. Lord claimed that he did not derive any sexual pleasure from his actions. The child's medical examination showed no signs of injury, and there was no forensic evidence linking Lord to the offenses, which complicated the case further.

Representing Lord, defense lawyer John Sleightholme, expressed that his client was deeply frightened, ashamed, and remorseful. Sleightholme explained that Lord’s decision to turn himself in was driven by guilt and a desire to take responsibility for his actions. Lord himself addressed the court, describing his crimes as “ghastly” and acknowledging that it was only through admitting his guilt that he could seek help.

In his statement, Lord expressed regret and a desire for redemption, saying, “I know I’m guilty and I know I’ve done wrong. I want to apologise to those people whose lives I have damaged. I hope that when I come out of prison I’m a different man but I thank you for the help that people have finally given me. It’s taken a ghastly crime for me to get help.” He further added, “There’s nothing I can do to defend myself and I can’t condone what I’ve done. I’ve seen what it’s like in the gutter and don’t want to be there any more. I will do anything to put myself right and change for the better.”

Judge Grant, delivering the sentence, acknowledged the serious risk of reoffending but also recognized Lord’s courage in admitting his guilt. The judge stated, “The risk of you reoffending is substantial. In these circumstances, the law says I must impose a term of imprisonment. But I take into account what you have said to me — that must have taken courage.” The court’s decision underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals and the community from potential future harm caused by offenders like Lord.