EIGHTY THREE YEAR OLD JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS
A man involved in the sexual abuse of young girls in Kirklees has received a prison sentence, thanks largely to the bravery of survivors who report their experiences.James Michael Butterworth, aged 83 and residing in Lower Houses, Huddersfield, was convicted of numerous sexual offenses spanning from 2007 to 2017 and was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Tuesday, 16 June.
The Kirklees safeguarding police have commended two survivors who, despite the passage of time, came forward years after the incidents occurred to report his misconduct.
Known locally as Bamba, Butterworth was sentenced to four years behind bars after being found guilty of two counts of sexual assault on a female and two charges of engaging in sexual activities with a girl aged 13 to 15.
These offenses against the first victim were committed between 2007 and 2010.
He also faced sentencing for four separate offenses against a second victim.
Between 2014 and 2017, Butterworth assaulted a girl under the age of 13 through touching of a sexual nature.
All crimes took place within the Kirklees area and were independently reported by the survivors during the early 2020s, prompting investigations by specialist safeguarding detectives.
Following these reports, Butterworth was identified as a suspect in both cases and was arrested in July and again in August 2021.
He was subsequently summoned to appear in court in 2025, following a comprehensive and detailed investigation into his actions.
