PONTEFRACT MAN MARK HOLDSWORTH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a deeply troubling case that has shocked the community of Pontefract, a man named Mark Holdsworth has been sentenced to nearly a decade in prison for the sexual abuse and grooming of a young girl aged just 13. The incident, which took place in Pontefract, has left a lasting scar on the victim and her family, prompting emotional reactions from those involved.

Leeds Crown Court heard how Holdsworth, aged 48 and residing on Tanshelf Drive in Pontefract, engaged in a series of heinous acts against the young girl. The court was informed that he systematically groomed her, offering her alcohol and money as a means to manipulate her into a vulnerable state. The judge described the series of events as a “disgraceful catalogue of abuse,” highlighting the severity and depravity of Holdsworth’s actions.

Holdsworth pleaded guilty to seven charges related to sexual activity with a minor, which significantly influenced the court’s decision to impose a substantial sentence. He was sentenced to nine years and nine months behind bars, a punishment that reflects the gravity of his crimes.

The victim’s mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons, expressed her anguish and anger following the sentencing. She stated, “I hope he rots in hell because of what he has done. No doubt he will come out after his sentence and can start living his life again. But can she? Will she get over this? It’s heartbreaking.”

She further described the profound impact the abuse has had on her daughter, who was once a lively and outgoing young girl. The mother explained that her daughter has been transformed into a withdrawn and angry teenager, describing her as “like a ticking time bomb at the moment.” She added, “She’s angry at everybody and everything. Before this came out, there were slight changes. We just thought she was changing from being a nice girl into a teenager. She’s become very withdrawn.”

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Nicholas Askins detailed how Holdsworth exploited the girl’s trust. “He would let her drink alcohol and get her drunk, then tell her she was attractive. He would make her feel guilty, as if she owed him something,” he explained.

In his defense, Holdsworth’s legal representatives argued that he had shown remorse and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, which the court considered in its sentencing. The judge, James Spencer QC, addressed Holdsworth directly, stating, “She was 13 years old and you groomed her for your own sexual pleasure. You would give her compliments and make her feel like she had to repay you – and that was for you to abuse her. All in all, this was a disgraceful catalogue of abuse to this poor girl, and I am not surprised it is having its impact upon her.”

The case has left the community of Pontefract grappling with the devastating effects of such betrayal and abuse, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.