WAKEFIELD PAEDOPHILE ALAN HIGGINS SENTENCED FOR LIFE AFTER ABUSING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL AND OTHER VICTIMS

In October 2018, a disturbing case unfolded involving Alan Higgins, a 61-year-old man from Wakefield, who was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses, including the abuse of a 13-year-old girl and an adult woman. Higgins’s actions revealed a deeply entrenched pattern of predatory behavior, marked by manipulation, deceit, and repeated violations of trust.

Despite being in custody on remand for the offenses against the young girl, Higgins demonstrated a chilling level of determination and disregard for boundaries by attempting to send a Valentine’s Day card to his victim. This act of contact from prison underscored his persistent obsession and inability to cease his predatory conduct. The court heard that Higgins had also previously driven the girl to her home, where he falsely claimed to be the father of her teenage boyfriend, an act designed to conceal his involvement and avoid detection.

Higgins’s criminal history is extensive, including violent sexual offenses such as attempted murder and kidnapping. His latest crimes involved a ten-month grooming and sexual relationship with the young girl, which he initiated through a fake Facebook account. The Leeds Crown Court was informed that the vulnerable teenager became infatuated with Higgins after he showered her with gifts, including jewelry, makeup, and teddy bears, further entrenching her in his manipulative web.

Higgins would often pick the girl up near her school and take her to various motels across the country, where they engaged in sexual acts, often after providing her with alcohol. At the time of these offenses, Higgins was already under license conditions due to previous grooming and sex offenses committed against a 15-year-old girl in 2005. The case came to light when police executed a search warrant at Higgins’s flat in Wakefield’s St Catherine’s Villas, Belle Vue, after receiving information that he had been accessing indecent images of children.

During the search, authorities discovered electronic devices containing indecent images, along with a book that held names, telephone numbers, SIM cards, and a teddy bear. Police traced the victim using the information in the book. Initially, the girl denied any knowledge of Higgins, claiming she was seeing a boy her age, but later disclosed the abuse to officers. Higgins pleaded guilty to nine serious sexual offenses, including meeting a child following grooming, facilitating travel for sexual purposes, and possessing indecent images of children. Additionally, he was convicted of four counts of rape against a separate victim, with these offenses occurring between 2005 and 2007.

Judge Robin Mairs sentenced Higgins to life imprisonment, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes. He stated, “These are offenses of deceit and manipulation. You were a man of almost 60. She was a 13-year-old child. There is no issue of meaningful consent that can arise in those circumstances.” Higgins was ordered to serve a minimum of 11 and a half years before he could apply for parole.

Senior Investigating Officer DCI Steve Greenbank described Higgins as “very much every parent’s worst nightmare,” highlighting the danger he posed to society. The adult victim, who was violently raped by Higgins, issued a heartfelt statement, describing how her life has been profoundly affected over the past 11 years. She expressed feelings of weakness, worthlessness, and ongoing mental and physical struggles, but also relief that Higgins was now behind bars. She stated, “The verdict will not only keep a very dangerous man locked away for the safety of other women, but means that I can now move on with my life knowing that I was never in the wrong. His offenses were not my fault and that was proved by the jury. I hope that my experience will encourage other victims to come forward.”

Higgins’s history of sexual violence dates back to his teenage years. The court learned that he had fantasized about rape since 1971 and committed his first offense at age 16 in 1973, when he held an air pistol against a girl’s head and attempted to force her to go with him to a park. He claimed it was a joke and received a caution. His criminal record includes a 1999 conviction for attempted murder, kidnapping, and indecent assault of a 13-year-old girl, which resulted in a 15-year prison sentence. At that time, Higgins was working as a bus driver and used his position to gain the girl’s trust before assaulting her violently, threatening her with a screwdriver, and leaving her with extensive injuries.

While in custody, Higgins participated in sex offender treatment programs, but the court found that he remained a danger. Despite these efforts, he continued to offend after his release, including engaging in sexual activities with a 15-year-old girl he falsely claimed was 37, and exchanging explicit messages with her. His subsequent release in January 2016 did not prevent him from committing further offenses, culminating in the latest case involving the 13-year-old girl in Wakefield.

Judge Mairs concluded that Higgins was a “determined and entrenched paedophile,” noting his apparent immunity to remedial efforts. The court’s verdict underscores the serious and ongoing threat Higgins poses, and he was sentenced to serve a minimum of 11 and a half years before being eligible for parole, ensuring public safety and justice for his victims.