GEORGE PLATT FROM HOLMFIRTH AND HONLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AFTER DECADES-LONG SILENCE

In a case that has shocked the communities of Holmfirth and Honley, West Yorkshire, an 83-year-old man named George Platt has been linked to a series of heinous crimes committed against young children over four decades ago. The allegations, which only surfaced recently, have led to a significant legal proceeding that has brought to light the disturbing history of abuse associated with Platt.

George Platt, who once owned an eight-acre stud farm near Holmfirth, was accused of destroying the childhoods of five young victims aged between 11 and 14. These children attended his farm for riding lessons, unaware of the dark intentions that lurked behind the seemingly innocent activity. The crimes came to public attention after one of the victims confided in a relative, revealing that she had been subjected to forced sexual acts over a period of three years. This revelation prompted a police investigation that spanned two years, during which authorities gathered evidence and interviewed Platt, who consistently denied the allegations.

At the time of the investigation, Platt was 41 years old and living in the south of England with his family, including his wife and four children. Despite his denials, the case proceeded to court, where it was ultimately decided that Platt was unfit to stand trial due to his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. However, in a rare legal move, a trial of fact was conducted, allowing a jury to determine his guilt based on the evidence presented. The jury found that Platt had indeed committed the offences he was accused of, which included six counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, two counts of indecency with a child, five counts of indecent assault, one indecent assault against a male, and one count of buggery.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Platt’s actions were allegedly encouraged and facilitated by his wife, Anne Platt, who was 62 at the time. The court heard that between 1969 and the mid-1970s, the couple, who appeared to be respectable and well-regarded in their community, engaged in a pattern of corruption and abuse of young children. The judge, Geoffrey Kamil, described the case as “quite chilling” and expressed his concern over the long-standing nature of the crimes.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Kamil ordered a guardianship arrangement for Platt, meaning he will be supervised by local authorities for the foreseeable future. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offences, stating that Platt likely believed he was beyond the reach of justice after so many years. He condemned the abuse, stating, “These young people were used and abused by you regularly. These were destroyed childhoods that nothing could ever restore.” The judge also pointed out the stark contrast between Platt’s community image—driving a Rolls Royce and being regarded as a pillar of society—and the dark deeds he committed.

Expressing his disappointment, the judge remarked that if not for Platt’s health issues, he would have imposed a prison sentence to ensure he spent his remaining years behind bars. Following police questioning, Platt attempted to take his own life by overdosing on paracetamol and alcohol but was discovered by his wife and survived the incident. As for Anne Platt, she was initially charged with aiding and abetting her husband in committing 13 offences. However, the prosecution decided not to proceed with her case, citing concerns that she would not receive a fair trial, and the charges were ultimately left unresolved.