PAUL WILKINSON BRADFORD SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS
In a case that has shocked the Bradford community, Paul Wilkinson, aged 41, of Broadstone Way, Holme Wood, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 19 years after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses involving two young girls.The crimes committed by Wilkinson included the sexual abuse and rape of a girl as young as ten years old, as well as attempts to assault another girl of the same age.
The court proceedings revealed that Wilkinson had engaged in disturbing acts of sexual violence against the victims, including forcing a nine or ten-year-old girl to undress, showing her a pornographic film, attempting to have sex with her, and ultimately raping her.
Additionally, he directed an 11-year-old girl to pose for indecent photographs, which he then took, further demonstrating his perverted behavior.
Wilkinson’s criminal activities extended beyond physical abuse.
He amassed a significant collection of child abuse images, which included thousands of indecent photographs stored on his computer.
When police raided his residence, they seized his computer and discovered more than 12,000 indecent images of children.
Further evidence was uncovered on his mobile phone, containing additional child sexual abuse pictures and videos.
The jury at Bradford Crown Court was shown the disturbing images taken of the second girl, which Wilkinson added to his growing collection of child exploitation material.
The court heard that Wilkinson’s actions were not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of predatory behavior.
During the sentencing, Judge Neil Davey QC emphasized the severity of Wilkinson’s crimes, describing his conduct as “terribly criminal.” Wilkinson was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for the remainder of his life and was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having any unsupervised contact with girls under the age of 16.
In his defense, Wilkinson’s barrister, Tina Landale, highlighted that he had experienced a difficult life, having been placed in care as a young child and subsequently losing his family, home, and possessions.
Despite these mitigating factors, the judge made it clear that Wilkinson’s actions had caused profound harm to his victims.
Following the case, Detective Constable John Higgins of West Yorkshire Police’s Abusive Images Unit commented on the investigation, stating, “The inquiry into Wilkinson began when indecent images were discovered on his computer, but it escalated when victims came forward to make allegations of serious sexual abuse against him.
The lengthy prison sentence reflects the gravity of these offenses.” He further expressed gratitude to the victims and their families for their bravery in coming forward, emphasizing that their courage could help bring closure.
Detective Higgins also encouraged other victims of sexual abuse to contact the police, assuring them that their cases would be handled with sensitivity and thoroughness, with the ultimate goal of securing justice against offenders like Wilkinson.
