STEVE DILLON SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR ABUSE IN HALIFAX AND BRADFORD

In a case that has shocked the community of Halifax and Bradford, Steve Dillon, aged 51 and residing on Riley Lane, Bradshaw, was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses involving two young girls. The verdict was delivered following a detailed trial at Bradford Crown Court, where a jury found Dillon guilty of seven counts of indecent assault, four counts of gross indecency, and two counts of rape.

The sentencing took place at Leeds Crown Court, where Judge Robert Bartfield imposed a prison term of 16 years on Dillon for the crimes committed over an extended period, spanning from 1993 to 2001. The judge’s decision underscores the severity of the offenses and the lasting impact they have had on the victims.

The first victim, a girl who was only 10 years old at the time, was subjected to Dillon’s assault beginning in 1993. The abuse escalated as she grew older, culminating in her being raped for the first time when she reached 16. Dillon continued to commit acts of sexual violence against her until she was nearly 18, causing profound trauma and suffering.

In addition to the first victim, Dillon also assaulted a second girl, who was approximately 12 or 13 years old at the time. This incident involved Dillon forcing her to kiss him. When the girl confided in her family about the assault, they initially believed she was fabricating the story, highlighting the difficulties victims often face in being believed.

Judge Bartfield did not hold back in his condemnation of Dillon, describing him as a “coward and liar.” He emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, “No child should have to experience a childhood like these girls have had. You denied the offences to the jury and the probation officers, and my view is that you have not got the courage to admit what you did and want to go on telling the same lies you have always told.”

Supporting the prosecution’s stance, Detective Inspector Gail Lawrie, who heads the Calderdale District Safeguarding Unit, expressed her satisfaction with the sentence. She remarked, “We welcome today’s sentence given to this individual. These were serious crimes against two young girls. The suffering of one in particular spanned many years. Such offences against children are very frightening and will have a marked impact for the rest of their lives.”

Inspector Lawrie also highlighted the efforts of her team in bringing Dillon to justice, adding, “My officers have worked extremely hard in bringing this man to justice and I can only hope that today’s verdict brings his victims some form of closure.”

As part of his punishment, Dillon will be required to sign the sex offenders register for the remainder of his life. Furthermore, upon release from prison, he will likely be barred from working with children, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.