CALLUM LAWSON KEIGHLEY SEX OFFENDER STALKED AND ATTACKED SCHOOLGIRL NEAR RIDDLESDEN
In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the Keighley community, Callum Lawson, a young man from Cartmel Road, Keighley, was convicted of stalking and sexually assaulting a teenage girl in the vicinity of Riddlesden in March 2019.The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, endured a traumatic experience that has profoundly affected her life over the past two years.
According to court reports, the assault occurred on Scott Lane, a quiet street near Riddlesden, where the girl was walking during a late afternoon.
The court heard that Lawson had been following her for approximately half a mile, deliberately choosing to trail her with the intent to attack.
The victim, sensing that she was being watched, initially tried to let Lawson pass by her, but her suspicions proved correct when Lawson suddenly approached her again.
As she resumed her walk, Lawson unexpectedly put his hand up her skirt, an act of sexual assault that left her shaken and terrified.
The girl managed to stumble into a nearby bush in an attempt to escape, and despite her distress, she was able to shove Lawson away.
He then fled the scene towards a nearby tennis club, leaving her shaken but physically unharmed.
The teenager immediately returned home in a distressed state, and her family contacted the police.
An investigation was launched, and DNA evidence recovered from her tights played a crucial role in identifying Lawson as the suspect.
Lawson, aged 19 at the time, initially denied any involvement, claiming he was not the type of person to commit such acts and dismissing himself as a pervert.
However, during police interviews, he later admitted to having a vague memory of the incident but could not explain his motives.
In a remorseful comment, Lawson remarked, “If I were her dad I’d want to kick the **** out of me,” reflecting some awareness of the gravity of his actions.
The police investigation also uncovered that Lawson was under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the attack.
Furthermore, while on bail for the sexual assault, Lawson's behavior worsened.
In July of the following year, he was involved in an incident where he assaulted two paramedics who had responded to a call at a house on Back Rupert Street, Keighley.
The paramedics found Lawson unconscious in the living room, and when they attempted to assist him, he became aggressive and threatening.
His behavior necessitated police intervention, and he was restrained with leg cuffs as he continued to act out violently while awaiting transport to a detention facility.
Lawson was subsequently sentenced to a total of 38 months in a young offenders institution.
The court heard that the sexual assault was premeditated, with Judge Andrew Hatton noting that Lawson had deliberately changed his route to ensure he could attack the girl at a time and place where he believed he could avoid detection.
The judge emphasized that the victim had suffered severe psychological harm, including panic attacks, flashbacks, paranoia, and had undergone specialized trauma therapy.
The attack had left a lasting impact on her mental health.
Judge Hatton also highlighted Lawson’s intoxication at the time of the assault and the secluded nature of the location, which facilitated the crime.
In addition to the 32 months for the sexual assault, Lawson received an extra six months for the assaults on the paramedics.
His total detention period reflects the seriousness of his offenses and the court’s recognition of the profound harm caused to the victim and emergency responders alike.
