Antonio Napolitano

Antonio Napolitano, aged 39, from Turnsteads Drive in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, was convicted at Leeds Crown Court on 6 February 2026 following a trial for serious sexual offences against three young girls. The offences, which spanned a 10-year period, involved three counts of assault of a girl under 13 by penetration and five counts of assault of a girl under 13 by touching. All victims were under the age of 13 at the time the crimes were committed.

The investigation began in 2017 when one victim disclosed the offences to a trusted individual, reporting them to the police two years after they occurred. Although an initial investigation was conducted, charges could not be brought at that time. The case progressed significantly in January 2025 when two additional victims came forward with reports of similar offences. West Yorkshire Police's Kirklees Safeguarding team reviewed the prior report and conducted extensive enquiries, leading to Napolitano's arrest and charging within days for offences against all three victims. He had been remanded in custody since his arrest.

On 27 March 2026, at Leeds Crown Court, Napolitano was sentenced to an 18-year extended sentence. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order restricting his contact with children, and issued with a restraining order. Detective Constable Yvonne Brear of Kirklees Safeguarding described Napolitano as a dangerous sexual predator who has preyed on vulnerable young girls, praising the victims for their considerable bravery throughout the process. The court commended the girls for their courage in coming forward, which ultimately led to his conviction.

This case was handled by West Yorkshire Police, highlighting their commitment to investigating child sex abuse reports, whether recent or historical. The offences took place within the Kirklees area of West Yorkshire, underscoring the local impact of such predatory behaviour.