GEORGE SZULHAN'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN KEIGHLEY: COURT SENTENCE REVEALS PAST ALLEGATIONS
A man named George Szulhan, residing on Temple Street in Keighley, has been formally sentenced after a disturbing incident involving a nine-year-old girl during a shopping trip.The incident took place in Keighley, where the young girl was accompanied by her parents, her sister, and another child.
According to court proceedings, Szulhan was observed touching the girl’s bottom inappropriately while she was out shopping with her family.
The assault was witnessed by the girl’s sister, who immediately informed her parents about what she saw.
The parents, upon learning of the incident, reported the matter to the police, prompting an investigation that would lead to Szulhan’s arrest.
During the court hearing at Bradford Crown Court, it was revealed that Szulhan’s sexual misconduct was not an isolated event.
The court heard allegations of similar inappropriate behavior in the past, involving touching young girls’ bottoms over their clothing.
These previous allegations had raised concerns about Szulhan’s conduct, although no formal charges had been made until the recent incident.
Prosecutor Adam Walker detailed the timeline of events, stating that Szulhan, now aged 38, was taken into custody on April 24, 2022, which was ten days after the incident that occurred on Good Friday.
Despite being arrested, Szulhan chose to remain silent during police interviews, refusing to provide any explanation for his actions.
However, he was later identified by the victim and her sister during an identification parade, which confirmed his involvement.
Further investigation into Szulhan’s digital activity uncovered troubling patterns.
Police seized his mobile phone and analyzed its contents, discovering a series of concerning internet searches.
These searches repeatedly included terms such as “schoolgirl,” “bus,” and “groped,” indicating a disturbing interest in minors and inappropriate behavior.
Notably, on February 2, 2022, Szulhan’s phone accessed a website titled “Men who try touching women in public.
What will happen?” Additionally, the device contained inaccessible, prohibited images of children, raising serious concerns about his online activity.
In court, Mr.
Walker emphasized the gravity of Szulhan’s actions and the potential harm caused to the young victim.
Szulhan, who had no prior criminal convictions, later pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault on a child under 13.
During mitigation, Szulhan’s defense lawyer, Erin Kitson-Parker, acknowledged that her client had never been in trouble before but recognized that he had a problem.
She also stated that Szulhan was genuinely remorseful and understood the impact his offending had on the children involved.
She described him as “upset” over his actions.
Her Honour Judge Kirstie Watson delivered the sentence, which consisted of nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
The judge emphasized that Szulhan’s actions had a significant impact on the victim, acknowledging the trauma and neglect he had experienced in his own life.
Despite Szulhan’s reluctance to fully accept responsibility, the judge expressed confidence in his capacity for rehabilitation.
As part of the sentence, Szulhan was ordered to complete 40 days of rehabilitation activity and perform 200 hours of unpaid work.
He is also required to register as a sex offender and is subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
The judge warned Szulhan that any breach of this order would result in immediate imprisonment, stating, “If you breach this order, I will send you to prison for nine months immediately.”
