JAMES OSBORNE SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CHILD RAPE IN BRADFORD

A callous and unremorseful individual known as a 'sexual predator' has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for the sexual assault of a young child in the Bradford area. James Osborne, aged 42, was found guilty by a jury following a trial at Bradford Crown Court, where he faced two charges of raping a child under the age of 13. After the verdict, detectives highlighted that Osborne is 'known to have travelled around the UK,' urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

Osborne was sentenced today via a video link from HMP Leeds, where he remains in custody. Prosecutor Gerald Hendron described the lasting impact on the victim, stating that the child now wakes up screaming in the middle of the night and was especially vulnerable due to their youth.

Osborne's legal representative, Derek Duffy, explained that his client disputes the evidence presented during the trial and is planning to appeal the conviction. Duffy also mentioned that Osborne has a limited capacity because of his placement on the autism spectrum, which he said will make his incarceration more challenging.

Judge Ahmed Nadim noted that the crimes involved a degree of planning. He clarified that Osborne, who resides at The Pyghtles, Daventry, Northamptonshire, had harmed the victim physically and psychologically. The judge also pointed out that Osborne was assisted by an intermediary during the trial in November last year because of his autism; however, he stated there was no evidence to suggest this affected his offending.

The judge commented that Osborne's failure to admit his wrongdoing meant he did not receive any credit for pleading guilty, and emphasized that Osborne showed 'no remorse or appreciation of the damage inflicted on his victim.' Following the jury’s guilty verdicts, the case was adjourned to allow the probation service to assess Osborne's dangerousness.

Judge Nadim ordered that Osborne serve at least half of his 16-year term in prison before the Parole Board can consider his release, with the remaining duration to be served on licence, including a 12-month extension. Additionally, Osborne was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinite in duration and is required to register as a sex offender for life.

Commenting after the sentencing, Detective Constable Julia Coates of Bradford Safeguarding Unit praised the bravery of the young victim for coming forward despite the intimidating nature of the criminal trial and expressed her admiration for the victim’s resilience. She welcomed the sentence handed down and described Osborne as a 'sexual predator' whose actions towards children are 'disturbing.'

Detective Coates highlighted Osborne’s history of travel within the UK and urged anyone with further information to contact police. She also encouraged anyone who may have been a victim of sexual offenses to speak out, assuring them that they will be supported and listened to throughout the process, with access to additional help if needed. The police reaffirmed their commitment to securing justice for all victims.