ROBERT SNEDDON SENTENCED FOR LEEDS AND BRADFORD RAPE CASES FROM THE 1970S
In a significant development in the pursuit of justice for historic sexual offences, Robert Sneddon, a notorious sex offender with a long history of crimes in Bradford and Leeds, has been handed a life sentence after being linked through advanced DNA evidence to two brutal rapes that occurred over three decades ago.Sneddon, who was originally convicted in 1982 for a series of heinous attacks on young girls across Leeds and Bradford, was already serving a life sentence at the time of his latest conviction.
He had reached an open prison with occasional day releases, a status that was under review following the new forensic findings.
The recent tests, conducted on evidence from two separate attacks in Leeds and Bradford, confirmed his involvement in the assaults, leading to his re-sentencing.
The Leeds Crown Court heard that Sneddon, now aged 62, admitted to the two rapes, which took place in 1979.
Judge James Spencer QC described the crimes as part of a “campaign of rape,” emphasizing that such a pattern of offending was likely to influence any future considerations regarding his release.
The court sentenced Sneddon to life imprisonment with a minimum term of eight years.
The first assault was committed on July 10, 1979, when a 14-year-old girl was walking along Rooley Lane.
Sneddon approached her from behind, covering her mouth to silence her.
He then forced her into nearby Cemetery grounds, where he overpowered her despite her resistance.
When she continued to struggle, Sneddon struck her twice on the head before raping her.
The victim later described the attack as a traumatic event that profoundly affected her life.
The second incident occurred on December 19, 1979, at Old Soldier’s Field in Roundhay.
A 15-year-old girl was crossing the area when she noticed a man appearing to stumble and called out to help.
Sneddon, who was limping and holding her arm, asked her to assist him.
As they moved into some bushes, he suddenly grabbed her, covered her mouth, and threatened to break her neck if she made any noise.
The girl was terrified and frightened to be alone afterward but had to pass through the same area to reach her school.
Following the linkage of these two attacks to Sneddon through forensic evidence, he was interviewed last year.
During the interview, Sneddon admitted to having “warped thinking” at the time of the offences.
His criminal history is extensive, including a knifepoint rape of a 23-year-old woman in Roundhay Park, sex assaults on three girls in Bramley, indecent assaults on two girls in Calverley, and the rape of another woman in Bradford, along with 13 other indecent assaults involving girls under 16.
His original life sentence in 1982 was for these crimes and more, reflecting a pattern of predatory behavior.
Representing Sneddon, solicitor Kate Batty, stated that he had served many years beyond his initial tariff and had taken steps to address his offending behavior during his time in custody.
She explained that Sneddon had not admitted the recent attacks earlier due to feelings of shame.
Detective Inspector Shaun Bartram of West Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Review Team commented on the case, emphasizing the severity and persistence of Sneddon’s criminal conduct.
He praised the efforts of Operation Recall, the police unit responsible for re-investigating unsolved historic sexual offences, highlighting that advances in forensic technology had been instrumental in linking Sneddon to crimes committed over 36 years ago.
Inspector Bartram reaffirmed the police’s commitment to seeking justice regardless of the passage of time, offering reassurance to victims and their families that their cases remain a priority.
This case underscores the importance of persistent investigation and technological advancements in bringing long-ago offenders to justice, providing some measure of closure for the victims and reinforcing the message that justice can be served even decades after the crimes occurred.
