Henry Carson

A 75-year-old man from Keighley has been jailed for five years following his conviction for serious child sex offences committed over 40 years ago. Henry Carson, of Clayton Rise, was found guilty by a jury at Leeds Crown Court on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, of two counts of sexual abuse against a young girl in the Kirklees area during the early 1980s.

The offences came to light in 2022 when the victim, who was under the age of 14 at the time of the abuse, bravely reported the incidents to the police as an adult. Her courage initiated a thorough investigation by detectives from the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, leading to Carson's arrest and eventual charging in January 2024. The case highlights the determination of West Yorkshire Police in pursuing justice for historical sexual offences, demonstrating that no matter how much time has passed, perpetrators can still be held accountable.

Detective Constable Paul Campbell, who led the investigation, praised the victim's bravery in a statement released by West Yorkshire Police. 'We want to absolutely commend the bravery of the victim who endured awful offences at the hands of Carson, but whose courage has seen him being made to answer for these crimes,' he said. 'She was a defenceless young girl when he committed some dreadful sexual acts upon her and we welcome his sentencing for those offences at court today.' The investigation involved specialist child protection detectives who meticulously gathered evidence over an extended period to build a strong case against Carson.

Carson was convicted specifically of committing acts of gross indecency and indecent assault with a girl under 14. The sentencing at Leeds Crown Court marks a significant outcome for the victim, who has been commended for her role in bringing the offender to justice. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing work by West Yorkshire Police to support victims of sexual abuse and to encourage others to come forward, regardless of when the offences occurred.