JAMES PEACOCK FROM MANNINGHAM SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR BRUTAL RAPE AND ATTEMPTED MURDER IN HAWORTH

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, James Peacock, a 49-year-old man from Manningham, Bradford, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 14 years for his involvement in the violent assault and sexual assault of a 13-year-old boy. The incident took place near a bridge in the picturesque Yorkshire town of Haworth, a location renowned for its literary connections with the Brontë sisters.

During the sentencing at Leeds Crown Court, Mr. Justice Collins emphasized the severity of Peacock’s crimes and the ongoing danger he poses to the public. The judge highlighted that Peacock’s actions were particularly heinous, especially considering the lasting psychological trauma inflicted upon the young victim. The court was told that the boy, who was found distressed and covered in blood near the scene of the attack last June, continues to suffer from intense fear and anxiety. Peacock’s behavior following the assault, including barricading his bedroom door at night, underscores the profound impact the trauma has had on him.

Mr. Justice Collins stated that Peacock deserved a substantial sentence because he remains a threat to society. The judge also noted that the victim’s fears of further harm are likely to persist for a significant period, as he is still terrified that Peacock might be released from prison and pose a danger to him again.

Peacock, who is described as a slightly-built man employed as a forklift truck driver, showed no visible emotion as he was handed down the sentence. The court found no evidence of any mental illness that might explain his actions, and the judge expressed his belief that Peacock’s attack was driven by factors other than mental health issues.

At his trial, Peacock admitted to the rape but claimed that he had consumed seven or eight pints of alcohol during his day out in Haworth. He insisted that he had no homosexual tendencies and was bewildered by his own actions, stating, “I was just totally disgusted. I couldn’t believe I had done it.” The court heard that Peacock’s attack involved producing a knife, grabbing the boy, and subjecting him to a brutal assault that included attempted murder by strangulation and attempted drowning. The incident has left a lasting scar on the community, and the court’s decision reflects the gravity of Peacock’s crimes and the need for justice for the young victim.