GARETH WATKINSON FROM DENHOLME SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN BRADFORD
| Red Rose Database
Denholme Rapist
In August 2001, Gareth Watkinson, a man from Denholme, was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of serious child abuse offenses. The Bradford Crown Court heard that Watkinson, aged 22 at the time, had a long and troubling history of offending against young boys prior to the recent attack involving an 11-year-old boy in Bradford this February.
It was revealed during the court proceedings that Watkinson had previously committed multiple offenses, including seven counts of indecent assault on boys under the age of 14, an attempted rape, and a conviction for gross indecency with a child. These crimes, dating back to 1995 when Watkinson was only 17, were carried out in a secluded 'den' in the woods near his home, where he lured his victims with promises of sweets and alcohol.
The recent incident involved Watkinson visiting a friend’s house on Mayo Avenue in Bradford, where he had consumed a significant amount of cider and peach schnapps. After drinking, he went outside for a cigarette, and the court was told that the victim, along with another young boy, joined him. Watkinson had previously groomed these boys with treats and alcohol, enticing them with the promise of listening to music in his car.
According to court reports, Watkinson asked one of the boys if he wanted to go camping. While he was away seeking permission from the boy’s parents, Watkinson indecently assaulted his 11-year-old victim. Upon returning to the house, Watkinson collapsed and was taken to hospital, though it was unclear whether his collapse was due to his alcohol consumption.
During the trial, defense lawyer Sean Morris acknowledged the impact of Watkinson’s actions on his family, stating, “It wasn’t the fault of his mother or father or two brothers but they have suffered terribly because of this.” He added that Watkinson’s family had been subjected to attacks and had to leave their home area. Morris also highlighted that Watkinson recognized he had a problem, describing his pedophilic tendencies as an “affliction” and noting that, unlike physical disabilities, his condition was not supported by charity groups.
Judge Gullick, sentencing Watkinson, emphasized that the offender had attempted to suppress his impulses but that these tendencies resurfaced when he consumed alcohol. The judge stated, “I consider that I do need to protect the public from you because you are a source of serious harm, in particular to boys aged between seven and 14.” As part of his sentence, Watkinson was ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Fraser Dunn commented on the impact on Watkinson’s family, saying, “It was an individual sentenced today and, as the court heard, this was nothing to do with his family. They must be left to start rebuilding their own lives.” The case underscored the serious nature of Watkinson’s offenses and the ongoing threat he posed to the community.
It was revealed during the court proceedings that Watkinson had previously committed multiple offenses, including seven counts of indecent assault on boys under the age of 14, an attempted rape, and a conviction for gross indecency with a child. These crimes, dating back to 1995 when Watkinson was only 17, were carried out in a secluded 'den' in the woods near his home, where he lured his victims with promises of sweets and alcohol.
The recent incident involved Watkinson visiting a friend’s house on Mayo Avenue in Bradford, where he had consumed a significant amount of cider and peach schnapps. After drinking, he went outside for a cigarette, and the court was told that the victim, along with another young boy, joined him. Watkinson had previously groomed these boys with treats and alcohol, enticing them with the promise of listening to music in his car.
According to court reports, Watkinson asked one of the boys if he wanted to go camping. While he was away seeking permission from the boy’s parents, Watkinson indecently assaulted his 11-year-old victim. Upon returning to the house, Watkinson collapsed and was taken to hospital, though it was unclear whether his collapse was due to his alcohol consumption.
During the trial, defense lawyer Sean Morris acknowledged the impact of Watkinson’s actions on his family, stating, “It wasn’t the fault of his mother or father or two brothers but they have suffered terribly because of this.” He added that Watkinson’s family had been subjected to attacks and had to leave their home area. Morris also highlighted that Watkinson recognized he had a problem, describing his pedophilic tendencies as an “affliction” and noting that, unlike physical disabilities, his condition was not supported by charity groups.
Judge Gullick, sentencing Watkinson, emphasized that the offender had attempted to suppress his impulses but that these tendencies resurfaced when he consumed alcohol. The judge stated, “I consider that I do need to protect the public from you because you are a source of serious harm, in particular to boys aged between seven and 14.” As part of his sentence, Watkinson was ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Fraser Dunn commented on the impact on Watkinson’s family, saying, “It was an individual sentenced today and, as the court heard, this was nothing to do with his family. They must be left to start rebuilding their own lives.” The case underscored the serious nature of Watkinson’s offenses and the ongoing threat he posed to the community.