SHAUN HARRIS FROM MANNINGHAM SENTENCED IN BRADFORD FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND SEXUAL OFFENCES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Manningham community, Shaun Harris, aged 22, was found guilty of serious sexual offences involving young children and the possession of indecent images. The incident dates back to when Harris was just 13 years old, during which he sexually molested two young boys aged six and eight. The assault took place at a dog kennel, where Harris lured the boys and subjected them to indecent acts. According to court reports, Harris covered the kennel with a carpet and committed a sexual act in front of the children, an act that has left a lasting impact on the victims and their families.

The case was brought before Bradford Crown Court, where Harris pleaded guilty on June 15 of this year to ten counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of possessing such images. The court heard that Harris’s failure to appear at his initial trial led authorities to arrest him at his residence on St Paul’s Road in Manningham. Once in custody, Harris admitted to the charges, prompting the court to adjourn proceedings for a probation report to assess his suitability for rehabilitation and supervision.

Further investigations revealed that police had seized Harris’s computer from his Manningham home on August 26, 2008. The officers also confiscated a digital camera attached to the computer, which was pointed towards the street. Although the laptop was damaged, specialists managed to recover 323 indecent images of children from the device. Among these images, two were classified at level four, indicating a high degree of seriousness. Harris claimed that these images were already present on his computer when he purchased it, a statement that did little to mitigate the severity of his actions.

During sentencing, Judge James Goss QC acknowledged the gravity of the offences. While prison was considered a possible punishment, the judge expressed concern that a custodial sentence might result in Harris serving a short term and then being released without adequate supervision or treatment. To better protect the public, Judge Goss decided on a three-year community order, which includes mandatory supervision and participation in a sex offender treatment programme. The judge emphasized that any breach of this order would be met with severe consequences, including the possibility of a substantial prison sentence.

Additionally, Harris was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which has no time limit, to prevent any future harm to children. He is also required to sign the sex offender register and be monitored by police for the next five years. These measures aim to safeguard the community from any potential reoffending by Harris, who has now been held accountable for his actions in Manningham and Bradford.