ARTHUR JENKINSON SENTENCED IN COWLING FOR CHILD ABUSE NEAR KEIGHLEY AND EXETER

In a case that has shocked the community of Cowling and the surrounding areas near Keighley, Arthur Jenkinson, aged 61, was handed a substantial prison sentence after being convicted of heinous crimes involving an eight-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in November of the year 2000, involved Jenkinson abducting the young girl from her home in North Yorkshire and subsequently traveling with her by taxi and train to Exeter in Devon.

Jenkinson’s actions triggered a nationwide search, with police agencies across the country mobilizing to locate the missing child. The case drew significant media attention and public concern, especially given the nature of the crime. Fortunately, the efforts of law enforcement paid off when a train driver reported seeing Jenkinson and the girl sheltering at a railway station near Exeter early the following morning, leading to their rescue.

Following the rescue, Jenkinson was taken into custody and faced a five-day trial at Bradford Crown Court. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Jenkinson, who had no prior criminal record, had developed an unhealthy obsession with the girl. Evidence presented in court included letters and notes recovered from his residence in Cowling, where he referred to the girl as “his sweet wife.” Photographs depicting the pair standing on church steps were also introduced as evidence, illustrating the disturbing nature of his fixation.

Detective Inspector Mick Moore of Harrogate CID, who led the investigation, publicly expressed his agreement with the judge’s assessment of Jenkinson as a danger to children. He stated, “Throughout the inquiry, Jenkinson was of very little assistance to us. It appeared to the investigating officers he was telling a pack of lies, and this would appear to reflect in the jury finding him guilty of all charges.” Inspector Moore also expressed hope that the victim and her family could now begin to rebuild their lives after the ordeal.

The prosecution argued that Jenkinson had groomed the young girl in a manner typical of paedophiles, and the five charges of indecent assault related specifically to incidents where he kissed her on the lips. The prosecution emphasized that these kisses were sexual in nature rather than innocent displays of affection. The jury, after deliberation, returned unanimous guilty verdicts on all five charges.

Judge Gavin Barr-Young presided over the case and delivered the sentence, stating, “Unless one has experienced what those parents went through, it must be difficult to imagine what it was truly like.” He further expressed grave concern about Jenkinson’s attitude and intentions, noting, “I have no doubts at all that you present a serious risk to young female children.”

In addition to the four-year prison term, Judge Barr-Young ordered that Jenkinson serve an extended period of four years on licence following his release. Furthermore, he was mandated to register as a sex offender with the police for ten years after his release, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from potential future harm.