PETER GARWOOD FROM BURLEY-IN-WHARFEDALE SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST CHILDREN

In a case that has shocked the community of Burley-in-Wharfedale, Peter Garwood, a 54-year-old man, has been handed an eight-year prison sentence after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving two young girls. The charges stem from a series of disturbing incidents that occurred over a span of nearly a decade, specifically between January 1975 and June 1984.

Garwood, who had initially denied all allegations, faced a total of 14 charges—13 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted serious sexual assault. The case was brought before Bradford Crown Court, where a jury found him guilty in May after a thorough trial. The verdict marked a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims, whose identities remain protected but whose testimonies evidently left a profound impact on the court.

Judge Roger Scott, presiding over the sentencing, described Garwood as a “worrying character” and a bully who had targeted vulnerable children. During the sentencing hearing, the judge expressed his deep concern about Garwood’s behavior and the long-lasting effects of his crimes. He emphasized that the offenses had taken place over a lengthy period, highlighting the severity and premeditation involved in the abuse.

In mitigation, Garwood’s legal representative, Ben Crosland, of North View, argued that his client had previously maintained a good character and that there had been a significant delay in reporting the crimes to authorities. Crosland also noted that Garwood had shown cooperation by returning from France, where he was residing at the time, and that he had not obstructed police investigations. Furthermore, he revealed that Garwood had been assaulted while on remand, which had a detrimental impact on his mental health, leading to thoughts of suicide.

Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Scott made it clear that Garwood’s actions warranted a substantial sentence. He warned Garwood that he should expect a lengthy term behind bars, stating that the jury’s verdict reflected the victims’ genuine suffering. The judge remarked that the young women’s testimonies revealed the depth of their trauma, which would stay with them for many years to come. “I believe we were witnessing those young women shredding their souls,” he said, “and that pain will endure.”

Garwood, who has been married three times, was sentenced to two consecutive four-year terms—one for seven counts and another for the remaining seven counts—totaling eight years in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Heidi Dowson of the Child Protection Unit expressed her satisfaction with the outcome. She praised the bravery of the victims’ families for coming forward and sharing their experiences, despite the passage of many years. “I am absolutely delighted,” she stated. “The family showed remarkable courage, and today’s sentence sends a clear message that offenders will be held accountable, regardless of how long ago the crimes occurred. Justice has been served.”