Stuart Alexander

Stuart Alexander, a 56-year-old man previously from Elland, has been sentenced to 11-and-a-half years in prison at Bradford Crown Court for committing 14 non-recent indecent assault offences against three child victims. The offences spanned an 18-year period between 2001 and 2019, highlighting a prolonged pattern of abuse that exploited the vulnerability of the young victims.

The case came to light following a report made in August 2019 regarding one of the child victims, prompting an investigation by Calderdale child safeguarding detectives. Alexander pleaded guilty to the charges, acknowledging the serious nature of his actions. In addition to his custodial sentence, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to prevent future risks.

The investigation was led by Detective Constable Katy Wilson of the Calderdale District Safeguarding Unit. In an official statement from West Yorkshire Police, DC Wilson emphasised the gravity of the crimes, stating: 'Stuart Alexander abused the trust of these children who were in no position to defend themselves in the most abhorrent way, and the sentence he received reflects the seriousness of his actions.' She also commended the victims' courage, adding: 'I want to praise the bravery of his victims who wanted to see justice done and who have supported our prosecution throughout. I hope they can have some sense of closure from seeing Alexander answer for his crimes and receive a significant custodial sentence.'

The sentencing occurred on Monday, December 12, 2022, at Bradford Crown Court. West Yorkshire Police, through their safeguarding unit, continue to encourage victims of unreported sexual offences, whether recent or historic, to come forward, assuring thorough and sensitive investigations by trained officers. This case underscores the ongoing efforts to address child sex offences in the Calderdale District and beyond.