JOHN HORRY OF KEIGHLEY ESCAPES PRISON AFTER SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN AND WOMAN

In April 2016, a disturbing case involving John Horry, an 80-year-old man from Keighley, unfolded at Bradford Crown Court, revealing a long history of sexual misconduct spanning several decades. Horry, who is wheelchair-bound and suffering from multiple health issues, was accused of committing a series of serious sexual offences against two children and a woman over a period that extended from 1976 to 2013.

During the court proceedings, Judge David Hatton QC explained that Horry would have been sentenced to immediate imprisonment if not for his fragile health condition. The court heard that Horry had pleaded guilty to ten charges, which included seven counts of indecent assault and sexual assault on a girl aged between 12 and 17, as well as charges of gross indecency with her. Additionally, he admitted to three counts of attempted sexual assault and sexual assault on a woman in her 40s.

The court was informed that Horry had previously served a six-month prison sentence in 1976 for sexually assaulting another girl. Prosecutor Peter Hampton detailed the nature of the later offences, describing how Horry had groped his victims’ breasts over their clothing. The court also heard that Horry had exposed himself to one of the girls, grunting and grinning as he waved his genitals around in a disturbing display. Mr. Hampton emphasized that Horry had abused the girl on multiple occasions, and she was too frightened to report the incidents, fearing he would threaten her with jail if she disclosed what was happening.

Further allegations revealed that Horry had also molested a woman who was assisting in his care. Although she managed to fend off his attempts to touch her breasts twice, he eventually caught her off guard and squeezed them, leaving her feeling sick and shaken, according to the prosecutor.

Horry’s legal representative, Camille Morland, acknowledged the severity of the offences but highlighted his poor health and advanced age. She described him as a man who was housebound, lonely, and isolated, asserting that if he were sent to prison, he would likely remain confined to the hospital wing due to his health conditions. Morland expressed that Horry deeply regrets his actions.

Judge Hatton acknowledged Horry’s numerous health problems, stating that all of his ailments were permanent. He noted that Horry rarely left his home except for hospital visits and described him as a very poorly man. Despite the seriousness of the offences, the judge sentenced Horry to a total of 21 months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, Horry was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.