WILLIAM HARRISON BRADFORD SHOCKING CHILD ABDUCTION AND SEXUAL OFFENSE AT ASDA IN SHIPLEY
In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the Bradford community, William Harrison, a 63-year-old man from Armstrong Street, Bradford, was found guilty of attempting to lure two eight-year-old girls into his vehicle at a local supermarket in Shipley.The events unfolded in September 2022 at a branch of Asda, where Harrison approached the young girls after purchasing sweets.
According to court reports, Harrison initially engaged the children by buying them treats, which he then used as a pretext to walk them toward his car.
Once there, he displayed an explicit photo on his mobile phone, an act that revealed his troubling intentions.
He then offered each girl five pounds with the explicit aim of persuading them to enter his vehicle.
The girls, however, refused to comply with his demands, demonstrating commendable caution and awareness in a situation that could have turned far more sinister.
Harrison’s actions did not end with the initial approach.
The court heard that he had a history of sexual offenses, including a previous conviction nearly two decades ago for sexual assault on a lone female at Morley railway station.
His criminal record also includes charges of exposure and outraging public decency involving teenage girls, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior.
During the sentencing hearing at Bradford Crown Court, Recorder Anthony Hawks described the material found on Harrison’s mobile phone as “troubling,” emphasizing the severity of his misconduct.
The judge pointed out that Harrison exploited the innocent trust of the children by using the guise of offering sweets to lure them into his car, a tactic that underscores the calculated nature of his predatory actions.
In his ruling, Recorder Hawks sentenced Harrison to four years in prison.
Additionally, he imposed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which restricts Harrison’s contact with children and limits his movements.
The court also mandated that Harrison adhere to a restraining order that will remain in effect for an unlimited period.
Furthermore, Harrison will be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.
Following the conclusion of the case, Detective Inspector Tom Swift of West Yorkshire Police commended the bravery of the young victims, stating, “Incidents of this nature are very rare, but this was truly every parent’s worst nightmare.
Harrison is a danger to children.” He added that, fortunately, the girls were not physically harmed but were understandably distressed by the ordeal, highlighting the emotional trauma inflicted by such predatory behavior.
