JASON GOGGS FROM HOLME WOOD SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BRADFORD

In a serious criminal case that unfolded in Bradford, a 25-year-old man named Jason Goggs, who resides in the Holme Wood area, has been sentenced to six years in prison for a sexual assault that took place in September 2003. Goggs, who had a troubling history with two prior convictions related to sex offences involving girls under the age of 16, was caught after a dramatic pursuit involving a police dog, Tyson, and officers from the local police force.

The incident began when the 15-year-old victim was making her way home from a cinema trip. At approximately 10:30 pm, she disembarked from a bus and soon became aware of someone following her. According to court reports, Goggs attempted to drag her into a nearby alleyway—a narrow, dimly lit snicket—while she was walking alone. The girl resisted fiercely, kicking and screaming to attract attention. Her cries for help were heard by residents in the vicinity, which ultimately led to Goggs fleeing the scene when a passing cab driver, identified as Simon Bottomley, became suspicious and disturbed the attack.

Police quickly responded to the scene. PC Peter Barker, along with his police dog Tyson, arrived promptly and began tracking the suspect’s scent. During the trial held at Bradford Crown Court last month, PC Barker recounted how Tyson immediately indicated the presence of human scent by putting his nose to the ground. The police dog then led officers down the alleyway, where Goggs was seen running across the grounds of a nearby school. When Goggs refused to stop despite commands, Tyson was released and bit him on the arm, effectively detaining him.

With the assistance of another officer, PC Anthony Wooffitt, Goggs was apprehended. Despite his denial of involvement in the attack, the jury found him guilty of indecent assault. Prosecutor Stephen Wood detailed the events, emphasizing that the victim had been on her way home when Goggs attempted to force her into the alley. He described how Goggs continued to drag her and committed an indecent assault during the struggle. The girl’s screams alerted nearby residents, and her attacker fled when a cab driver intervened.

Goggs, who was already on the sex offenders’ register due to his previous convictions, was identified as a significant threat. The court was informed that he had two prior convictions for sex offences involving young girls and was under registration at the time of the latest attack. Judge Robert Bartfield commended PC Barker and Tyson for their professionalism, noting that their swift actions were instrumental in Goggs’ capture. The judge also recognized the bravery of the cab driver, Simon Bottomley, along with John Galer and Robert Doyle, who responded to the incident and assisted the victim. Each of these individuals was awarded a reward of £100 for their public-spirited actions.

During the sentencing, Goggs’ defense lawyer, Michelle Colborne, described him as immature and warned that without intervention, he risked spending his life in prison due to his deep-seated sexual beliefs. However, Judge Bartfield was clear in his assessment, stating that Goggs’ limited insight and history of sex offences made him a danger to young females. The judge pointed out that Goggs had been stalking the girl and saw an opportunity to attack her in a secluded area, with the apparent intent either to rape her or commit a more serious sexual assault.

In light of the severity of the offence and Goggs’ criminal background, the judge increased the sentence from the usual four years to six. Goggs was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life and is permanently barred from working with children, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.