NEIL HARWOOD'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN BOLTON AND GARS TANG

In August 2010, a tragic and disturbing case unfolded involving Neil Harwood, a 73-year-old pensioner whose actions have left a lasting scar on a young girl and the communities of Bolton and Garstang. The court heard that Harwood, overwhelmed by grief following the sudden death of his wife from cancer in January 2007, engaged in heinous acts of sexual abuse against a girl he was entrusted to care for as a babysitter.

Neil Harwood, who resided at Sunnyside Caravan Park in Bilsborough, Garstang, was visibly emotional as Bolton Crown Court was presented with the details of his crimes. The court was told that Harwood had sexually abused the girl when she was just 12 and 13 years old, over a period spanning approximately 18 months. The abuse culminated at his caravan in Garstang in August of the previous year. The young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, kept her suffering secret for some time. It was only in January of this year that she confided in her school friends about the abuse.

Her revelation eventually reached her mother through the friend’s mother, prompting the police to become involved. Following an investigation, Harwood was arrested and subsequently admitted to his crimes during police interviews. In court, he pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child, acknowledging his wrongdoing.

Prosecutor Peter Cave described the profound impact the abuse has had on the young girl, emphasizing the severity of the trauma inflicted. “The word devastation is much overused, but it is apt in this case,” he stated. The court was also informed that Harwood’s wife had died suddenly from cancer in January 2007, which appeared to have contributed to his emotional state and subsequent actions.

Harwood’s defense lawyer, David Morton, highlighted that his client was of previously good character and that he had taken steps to end his abusive behavior once he recognized how wrong it was. Morton described Harwood as being “utterly broken” by his own actions, suggesting that he was in a desperate state and seeking selfish sexual gratification.

Judge Steven Everett sentenced Harwood to five years in prison, emphasizing that he posed an ongoing risk to children. Additionally, Harwood was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct. This case underscores the devastating consequences of abuse and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable young individuals in communities like Bolton and Garstang.