ANTHONY HARTLEY

Paedophile Anthony Hartley was sentenced to prison this week after being convicted at trial of sexually assaulting a child and exposing himself.

A victim impact statement authored by the child's parents was read aloud during the sentencing at Leeds Crown Court.

Prosecutor Philip Standfast read the emotional letter, which expressed the parents' devastation: “The day we found out, our world collapsed.

It has broken us.

“We felt like we had failed her.

Deep down we know it’s not our fault but it does not stop the guilt.

“It’s overwhelming and relentless.” The 61-year-old Hartley had pulled down his trousers and underwear to expose himself to the girl, who was just six years old, leading her to feel “anxious, mad and disgusted”.

The victim also disclosed that there was another incident where Hartley had “tickled her bits”, implying he touched her genitals over her clothing.

Further details cannot be shared in order to protect the victim’s identity.

Hartley was detained by authorities and gave a prepared denial of the allegations.

However, he was found guilty of both offences in a trial held in October of the previous year.

Residing at Harold Square, Hyde Park, Hartley, who has 21 prior convictions across 48 offences but no previous sexual crime convictions, was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

The judge, Robin Mairs, indicated that there was evidence of grooming and noted: “Like most paedophiles you presented an air of respectability.

“The responsibility rests solely with you.

These were two separate and distinct incidents.” In addition to his jail term, Hartley was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was issued a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).