HIPPERHOLME BUS DRIVER DALE CODLING SENTENCED FOR GROOMING SCHOOLGIRL IN BRADFORD

In a distressing case that has shocked the community of Hipperholme and the wider Calderdale area, Dale Codling, a 26-year-old former bus driver, was sentenced to 12 months in prison at Bradford Crown Court for grooming and engaging in inappropriate sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place on October 21, 2013, while Codling was employed as a driver for First Bus, operating on a school route within Calderdale.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Codling had established contact with the young girl through Facebook, where he showered her with compliments, describing her as “gorgeous and beautiful,” actions that the prosecution argued were intended to boost her self-esteem and make her feel special. This online communication was a precursor to the subsequent physical encounter.

The court heard that on the day of the incident, Codling took the girl for a drive, during which he kissed her. After she reciprocated the kiss, he inappropriately touched her, prompting her to ask him to stop. Despite this, Codling drove her home and continued to maintain contact with her afterward, which raised further concerns about his intentions.

The girl’s mother became aware of the situation approximately a month later and promptly reported the matter to the police. The investigation uncovered the extent of Codling’s grooming behavior, which was characterized by manipulative online interactions and the physical assault during the drive.

Judge Rose, presiding over the case, emphasized the severity of the offense, stating, “The grooming of a child is not something that happens as an error of judgement or a one-off mistake — you were 25 and she was 13. No man of your age has the right to act in such way with a child.”

In his defense, Gerald Hendron, representing Codling, expressed remorse, stating that his client felt “ashamed of himself” and highlighted that Codling had admitted guilt immediately following his arrest and during the court proceedings.

Codling, who is a father of one, was found guilty of grooming and engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with the young girl. The court’s decision underscores the serious nature of his actions and the breach of trust involved. He was ordered to serve a 12-month prison sentence, a verdict that reflects the gravity of his misconduct and the community’s concern for the safety of minors.

This case has brought to light the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance among parents and guardians to protect vulnerable children from predators operating under the guise of everyday interactions. The community of Hipperholme and Calderdale continues to grapple with the implications of this case, which serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing awareness and preventative measures against such crimes.