DEAN WILKINSON

BRADFORD MAN JAILED FOR ASSAULT WITH SHOVEL AND ARSON

Dean Wilkinson, a 37-year-old man from Bradford, has been sentenced to a year in prison for attacking his former partner’s home with a shovel and causing damage.

Judge Andrew Hatton described Wilkinson as a "dangerous man" towards women during the sentencing at Bradford Crown Court.

The court was told that Wilkinson and the woman had separated in 2023, but he returned to her residence in January that year and began smashing windows with a shovel.

He also shattered the glass on the front door before leaving as police arrived.

The judge highlighted that the victim was frightened and narrowly avoided injuries from flying glass shards.

Wilkinson, who has a criminal history including convictions for assault, harassment, and breaching a restraining order, was not detained until another incident occurred at the same address in the early hours of January 24.

During this event, he reportedly "flipped" after being let inside, kicking her in the head and damaging her mobile phone.

Evidence presented in court showed Wilkinson returned to the property after smoke was seen nearby, setting a bed on fire in the backyard.

Having accumulated 27 convictions for 52 offenses, Wilkinson was arrested in February and pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damage, assault, and arson.

His defense stated he was under the influence of drugs at the time and apologized for his actions.

The judge described Wilkinson’s behavior as disgraceful and sentenced him to a 12-month prison term.

Additionally, a restraining order was granted for five years, prohibiting Wilkinson from contacting the victim through any means except via legal representatives and from approaching her residence, underscoring his classification as a "dangerous man" to women involved with him.