ANDREW HOLLINGWORTH SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE IN BRADFORD AND SKIPSEA

In November 2017, a disturbing case unfolded in the courts of Bradford involving Andrew Hollingworth, a man convicted of heinous crimes against a young girl. Hollingworth, aged 40 at the time, was found guilty by a jury of multiple serious offenses, including raping a girl under the age of 13, sexually abusing her on several occasions, and exerting psychological control over her through manipulation and intimidation.

Hollingworth, who was previously residing in Bierley, Bradford, but had since moved to Hornsea Road in Skipsea, East Yorkshire, sat in the dock at Bradford Crown Court with his head bowed and hands covering his face following the verdict. The court heard that he had committed these acts over a period spanning several years, beginning when the girl was just 12 years old. The prosecutor, Heather Gilmore, detailed how Hollingworth had initially lured the girl by offering her an alcoholic drink, after which he physically assaulted her by grabbing her hair and violating her. The jury was also informed that he continued his abuse when she was 14, further degrading her and making her feel worthless, and persisted into her late teens, despite her crying and attempting to scream for help.

The victim recounted how Hollingworth dismissed her claims, calling her a liar and insisting that no one would believe her if she told anyone about what he had done. Since reporting the abuse to the police in 2015, she revealed that she had experienced significant emotional distress, including weight loss and a deep hatred for her reflection. Her testimony underscored the profound impact of Hollingworth’s actions on her mental health and well-being.

Judge David Hatton QC, who presided over the case, sentenced Hollingworth to 15 years in prison. The judge described him as “dominant and manipulative,” emphasizing that Hollingworth had used alcohol to control and abuse his victim on multiple occasions. The court noted that Hollingworth had committed the initial rape when the girl was only 12, and that his pattern of abuse was characterized by domination and psychological pressure, which left lasting scars on the victim’s emotional state. The judge pointed out that her suffering was evident to all who observed her during the proceedings.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Hatton highlighted the severity of Hollingworth’s crimes, stating, “You used her for your own sexual gratification on five occasions, the first when she was 12 years old. This period of abuse was achieved largely through your manipulation and control.” The judge also stressed the significant emotional toll on the victim, noting her courage in coming forward despite Hollingworth’s attempts to discredit her.

Given the gravity of the offenses, Hollingworth was ordered to serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for parole, meaning he could potentially spend the entire 15-year term behind bars. Additionally, the court imposed a lifelong restraining order preventing him from contacting his victim in any capacity. Hollingworth was also mandated to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities to protect the community from further harm.