ANTHONY RIDSDALER FROM HIPPERHOLME SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN HALIFAX

In March 2016, a serious case of sexual violence culminated in the sentencing of Anthony Ridsdale, a resident of Hipperholme, who was convicted of attacking a teenage girl in Halifax. The incident occurred shortly after Ridsdale, then 19 years old, was released on bail following allegations of sexual misconduct involving another teenage girl. Despite being under police investigation for these initial allegations, Ridsdale committed a further heinous act, which led to his arrest and subsequent conviction.

According to reports, Ridsdale’s assault took place in a wooded area within Halifax, where he was described as being “in a complete rage.” He forcibly dragged his 18-year-old victim into the secluded environment, where he committed the assault. Detective Inspector David Shaw of Calderdale Safeguarding expressed his views on the case, stating, “I hope the sentence brings some comfort and closure to the victims and their families who have shown great bravery and courage throughout the investigation and trial.”

Ridsdale’s actions prompted a swift response from law enforcement, and he was sentenced to six years in prison for the attack. The court proceedings revealed that Ridsdale had denied involvement in the earlier allegations but was found guilty of the rape committed in June of the previous year. The court heard that Ridsdale had placed his hand over the victim’s mouth to prevent her from screaming and ignored her pleas to stop. The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, provided a victim impact statement describing the profound effects the assault had on her mental health. She shared that she now constantly looks over her shoulder, finds it difficult to trust others, and suffers from sleep disturbances and nightmares.

At the time of the attack, Ridsdale was already on bail, having been questioned by police regarding allegations of sexual abuse made by another teenage girl. Prosecutor Gerald Hendron detailed the case, emphasizing Ridsdale’s violent behavior and the severity of his actions. Ridsdale, now 20, pleaded guilty to the rape and admitted to other sexual offenses involving two additional teenage girls shortly before the Halifax incident.

Judge Jonathan Rose described Ridsdale as a dangerous offender and imposed an extended license period of four years, which will commence upon his release. Additionally, Ridsdale is required to register as a sex offender for life and will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, restricting any unsupervised contact with individuals under 16. The judge expressed his deep concern over the case, labeling the attack as “wicked and deeply unpleasant,” and highlighted the significant risk Ridsdale poses to young women. The court also noted that Ridsdale had used hurtful language towards his victim after the assault and had threatened to repeat the offense if she disclosed what had happened.

Throughout the sentencing, Ridsdale showed no visible emotion as he was handed a six-year sentence to be served in a young offenders institution. The case underscores the ongoing importance of vigilance and support for victims of sexual violence, as law enforcement continues to pursue justice for those affected.