CHARLES RICHARDSON'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN HOLMFIRTH: PENSIONER PERPETRATES SEXUAL ASSAULT AT BUS STATION

In a disturbing series of events that unfolded in Holmfirth, a 69-year-old man named Charles Richardson was convicted of sexually assaulting two innocent victims within a span of just one hour at the local bus station. The court proceedings revealed the severity of his actions and the ongoing threat he poses to the public.

On a day in September of the previous year, Richardson approached a woman at the Holmfirth bus station with inappropriate intentions. He attempted to kiss her without consent and then proceeded to put his arms around her, causing her to feel distressed and upset. Witnesses and the court heard that the woman was left crying and visibly shaken by the encounter. The judge, John Potter, emphasized that her emotional distress was significant and that her experience was a clear violation of her personal boundaries.

Shortly after this incident, Richardson's misconduct did not end. He targeted a young girl, aged around 10 years old, at the same location. Richardson approached her and, in a disturbing act, grabbed her bottom. The young girl was so upset by the assault that she was seen crying and visibly distressed. The court was told that her emotional state was deeply affected by Richardson’s actions.

What made the situation even more alarming was Richardson’s behavior following the assaults. After the initial incident with the woman, he continued his misconduct by boarding the same bus she was on. It was only after he returned to the bus station that police community support officers, who were passing by, detained him. The officers’ intervention prevented further harm and led to his arrest.

Judge Potter described Richardson’s conduct as a “sustained course of sexual behavior” that caused significant upset and harm to the victims. He pointed out that both victims were members of the public who had been randomly targeted by Richardson, highlighting the unpredictable and dangerous nature of his actions. The judge further stated that Richardson’s behavior demonstrated that he was “a significant menace” to members of the community going about their daily lives.

It was also revealed that Richardson had a prior conviction dating back to January 2003, when he was found guilty of indecently assaulting a nurse in a hospital. Despite pleading guilty to two sexual assault charges in this recent case, Richardson appeared to be unwilling or unable to address the underlying causes of his offending behavior. This ongoing pattern of misconduct indicated a continued risk to public safety.

In light of his actions, the court sentenced Richardson to eight months in prison. Additionally, a sexual offences prevention order was imposed indefinitely, banning him from having any unsupervised contact with individuals under the age of 16 at bus or railway stations across England and Wales. Furthermore, Richardson is required to register as a sex offender with the police for the next ten years following his release from incarceration, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and potential risk to the community.