MICHAEL HORNER JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN GUISELEY AND PUDSEY

In a case that has spanned over a decade, Michael Horner, a man from Pudsey, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for heinous sexual crimes committed against two young girls in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The court proceedings, held at Leeds Crown Court, revealed disturbing details about Horner’s actions and the bravery of his victims in coming forward to seek justice.

Horner, now aged 43, was convicted of raping one girl and sexually assaulting another, both of whom were only 13 years old at the time of the offences. The jury found him guilty after hearing evidence that spanned several years, during which he exploited the innocence of these young victims. The crimes took place primarily at his former residence in Guiseley, where he was living at the time, and also involved his activities in Pudsey, where he worked as a shop manager.

The court heard that Horner, who resided on Waterloo Grove in Pudsey, used manipulative tactics to lure the girls to his home. He would buy them cigarettes and alcohol, offering them these substances as a means of gaining their trust. Once at his property, he allowed the girls to drink and smoke, creating an environment where he could carry out his abusive acts. The abuse was not limited to isolated incidents; Horner permitted the victims to sleep over at his house, which he shared with his wife, even while she was working night shifts. This pattern of grooming and exploitation persisted over a period of time, making the crimes particularly disturbing.

The investigation into these allegations was initiated after the mother of the 13-year-old girl who was raped discovered her daughter’s diary, which contained detailed accounts of the incidents. Shocked and appalled by what she read, she immediately contacted the police, prompting a thorough investigation by West Yorkshire Police. Officers from the specialized Operation Topaz unit, led by Detective Constable Clare White, worked diligently to uncover the full extent of Horner’s misconduct.

During the investigation, authorities uncovered evidence that Horner had also been abusing the victim’s friend during visits to his Guiseley home. This revelation underscored the extent of his predatory behavior and highlighted the importance of the victims’ courage in coming forward. As a result of his conviction, Horner was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Detective Constable Clare White praised the bravery of the victims following the sentencing. She emphasized the importance of their willingness to testify and share their experiences, which played a crucial role in securing justice. White stated, “The two victims in this case have shown admirable courage in coming forward and giving evidence against an individual who preyed on them as young and vulnerable teenagers. The imprisonment of Horner should act as a demonstration that police will listen to and support victims and will actively investigate and pursue anyone suspected of a historic sexual offence. Hopefully, the sentencing of Horner will provide the victims with a sense of justice and closure, allowing them to continue to move on with their lives.”