JOSEPH JOYCE AND PAULINE BENNETT: HORRIFIC ABUSE IN HALTON MOOR AND LEEDS REVEALED

In a deeply disturbing case that has left a lasting scar on the community of Leeds, a woman named Paula, aged 48, has spoken out about the traumatic abuse she endured during her childhood at the hands of her father, Joseph Joyce. The abuse took place within the confines of their family home, first in Whitkirk and later in Halton Moor, both neighborhoods within Leeds. Paula’s harrowing account sheds light on the long-lasting effects of such abuse and the complex feelings of forgiveness and betrayal that continue to haunt her.

Joseph Joyce, a resident of Harefield West in Halton Moor, was convicted and sentenced to 12 years in prison in July 2011. At the time of sentencing, he was 67 years old. The court found him guilty of two counts of rape and five additional charges related to indecency against Paula. His criminal record extends further, as he was also convicted of five other indecency charges involving two other female victims, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior.

Paula’s mother, Pauline Bennett, aged 69 at the time of sentencing and residing on Greystone Mount in Halton Moor, Leeds, received a four-year prison sentence for child neglect and indecent assault involving a 15-year-old male. Bennett’s criminal activities and subsequent conviction came after she divorced Joseph Joyce when Paula was still a teenager. Currently, Bennett, now 70, is serving her sentence and is scheduled to be released on licence after serving two years of her four-year term. Despite her release, Paula has made it clear that she has no intention of reconciling with her mother.

Paula openly expressed her feelings, stating, “I might one day be able to forgive my dad – he has admitted what he did and tried to make amends. But my mother is never going to change.” She further explained her perception of her parents’ contrasting behaviors, saying, “I believe there was something in him that loved me, whereas with her I just believe she was cold, calculating and would do anything in her power to hurt me. She said I was a liar and called me sick and twisted.”

As a mother of eight children, Paula revealed how her family has been torn apart by the lies and betrayal she endured. She expressed her disgust that Bennett, who will be registered as a sex offender for at least 15 years, might return to live a seemingly normal life. “You would see her and think ‘that poor old lady’,” Paula remarked. “You wouldn’t realize what she’s capable of.”

Mark Siddall, representing West Yorkshire Probation, emphasized that the conditions of the offenders’ licenses are under constant review. He assured that any violations would result in immediate imprisonment and reaffirmed the commitment to keeping victims informed and empowered. “We will continue to ensure the victim is fully aware of any changes to the offender’s circumstances and is empowered to have their voice heard,” Siddall stated.