Ryan Wilkinson

Ryan Wilkinson, a 42-year-old man from Crossflatts, was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court for sexually assaulting a vulnerable young child following a series of inappropriate online communications.

The court heard that Wilkinson, who was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine at the time, sent messages to the girl requesting 'naughty' pictures. When she inquired about the type of picture he wanted, he replied, 'Something naughty.' He further asked if she would 'like something to happen' and made requests for her to show her body to him. These illicit conversations culminated in Wilkinson sexually assaulting the victim. He instructed the girl not to tell anyone about their exchanges.

The matter came to light when the victim confided in her mother about the 'weird' messages she had received. Following the report, Wilkinson handed himself in to the police, claiming there was no sexual intention behind his messages. However, during his police interview, he provided 'no comment' answers.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the girl described how she had suffered from anxiety, a drop in confidence, and required counselling to cope with the trauma caused by Wilkinson's actions. The prosecution highlighted the lasting emotional, social, and psychological harm inflicted on the vulnerable child.

In mitigation, it was noted that Wilkinson had no previous convictions and had not reoffended since the incident. He was described as 'genuinely devastated' by the impact on the victim and his family. The court was told that his actions were influenced by substance abuse, but he had since sought help for his cocaine addiction and undergone private therapy. His mental health was characterised as 'somewhat fragile.'

Recorder Mr David Gordon sentenced Wilkinson to 14 months' imprisonment for sexual assault, with an additional eight months for sexual communications with a child, to be served concurrently. Wilkinson was also required to register as a sex offender for 10 years and was made subject to a restraining order for the same period. Recorder Gordon remarked, 'It’s clear that the victim was a vulnerable young child. She was clearly distressed by your behaviour…which has resulted in lasting emotional, social, and psychological harm.'

The case was heard at Bradford Crown Court on 25th November, as reported by Keighley News.