STUART DILNOT FROM CLECKHEATON SENTENCED FOR SEX CRIMES AGAINST GIRL UNDER 14 IN LEEDS

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Cleckheaton, Stuart Dilnot, a 59-year-old man, was sentenced to a prison term of 27 months after being found guilty of multiple sexual offenses involving a young girl under the age of 14. The crimes spanned over a two-year period, during which Dilnot engaged in disturbing acts of indecency and secretly recorded the victim without her knowledge.

According to court records, Dilnot, who resides on Brooklyn Road in Cleckheaton, committed these offenses while the girl was still a minor, causing her significant emotional distress. The victim, whose identity remains protected by law, described her feelings of discomfort and confusion regarding the abuse. She continues to struggle with sleep issues as a result of the trauma she endured.

One particularly troubling incident involved Dilnot fondling the girl, an act that was part of a series of inappropriate behaviors. The court heard that over the course of their interactions, Dilnot repeatedly engaged in sexual misconduct, including performing an indecent act in front of her and filming her secretly, actions that have left lasting scars.

Stuart Dilnot’s criminal history includes previous convictions for battery, cannabis production, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. During the proceedings, he attempted to justify his actions by claiming that a 'high libido' was a side effect of medication prescribed for a medical condition, although this explanation was not elaborated upon in open court.

In a prior hearing, Dilnot pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including six counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13, two counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 13, two counts of voyeurism, and one count of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 13 or 14. These charges reflect a pattern of predatory behavior that has now been formally addressed by the justice system.

At Leeds Crown Court, Recorder Michael Wheeler sentenced Dilnot to 27 months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years and was issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which aims to restrict his contact with minors and monitor his behavior moving forward. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and holding offenders accountable for their actions.