ALAN BIRKBY: SOWERBY BRIDGE TEACHER SENTENCED IN HALIFAX FOR SEXUAL ABUSE ON PUPILS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Halifax and Sowerby Bridge, a former teacher named Alan Birkby has been convicted of multiple sexual offenses committed during his tenure at a primary school. Despite the gravity of his actions, Birkby, aged 68 and residing at Ryburn Buildings in Sowerby Bridge, was handed a sentence that many find insufficient given the nature of his crimes.

At Bradford Crown Court, Birkby pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault and an additional three counts of indecency with a child. These offenses took place over a period spanning from January 1972 to January 1981, while he was employed at Parkinson Lane Primary School in Halifax. The court heard that his victims were six young boys, aged between seven and eleven at the time, who suffered under his inappropriate and abusive conduct.

The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about Birkby’s misconduct. Prosecutor Hilary Manley described how Birkby exhibited a disturbing preference for boys dressed in shorts, often becoming angry if they did not wear them. One of the victims recounted how he was made to walk to the front of the classroom, where Birkby would place his hand on the inside of his leg and rub up and down. Similar acts of inappropriate touching were reported by other boys, with Birkby caressing their testicles through their shorts. On one particularly troubling occasion, Birkby took several boys into a storeroom, where he forced them to strip down to their underwear and then proceeded to stroke and hug them inappropriately.

Judge Colin Burn, presiding over the case, acknowledged the severity and variety of the offenses, as well as the impact on the victims. He emphasized that the victims, now all in their 40s, had suffered long-lasting psychological effects. The judge pointed out that Birkby, as a teacher, was expected to serve as a protector and role model for his pupils. Instead, he exploited his position of trust for his own sexual gratification, often becoming unpleasant or intimidating when the children sought to distance themselves from him.

In sentencing, Judge Burn explained that he was constrained by the sentencing guidelines in place at the time the offenses occurred. He stated, “I have to sentence you against the background of the prevailing sentencing regime at the time of committing these offences and as a school teacher who has recently retired due to a mental breakdown.” The court sentenced Birkby to a 16-month prison term, suspended for the duration, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits further offenses.

Additionally, Birkby was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order and ordered to pay £800 in prosecution costs. The decision has left many victims feeling disappointed and frustrated. One victim expressed his discontent, saying, “I’m disappointed with the sentence. It would have been good to know that that man was going to prison.” He also praised the police for their efforts, stating, “Credit to the police, they couldn’t have done any more,” and lamented that the judicial system limited the severity of the punishment.

Detective Inspector Gail Lawrie, who leads Calderdale’s District Safeguarding Unit, commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children and the betrayal of trust by Birkby. She stated, “As a teacher Birkby had a responsibility for the welfare and safety of children in his care. Primary school years are key to the development of all children and should be a place where they feel safe and secure. Sadly Birkby chose to abuse his position of trust and devastated the lives of his victims for his own sexual gratification.” She also commended the bravery of those who came forward to assist in bringing Birkby to justice, expressing hope that the sentence will aid in their ongoing recovery from the trauma inflicted upon them.