STUART MURGATROYD

A man from Kirklees has been sentenced to prison after admitting to serious sexual offences involving a vulnerable teenage girl.

Stuart Murgatroyd, aged 31 and from Cleckheaton, received a four-year prison term at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday, 27 November, for grave crimes committed within the Kirklees region.

The defendant pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child, relating to a teenage girl at a property in Kirklees on 11 May 2025.

The police were alerted by the victim and her family on the same day, resulting in Murgatroyd’s arrest within hours.

He was initially charged and appeared before Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 13 May, subsequently admitting guilt at Leeds Crown Court on 22 September.

Upon release, Murgatroyd is mandated to register as a sex offender.

DC Paul Campbell, from the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, commented: “This case involved Murgatroyd exploiting a vulnerable teenage girl and committing serious sexual offences against her.

We welcome his guilty plea, which spared the victim a lengthy trial, but the strong evidence against him left him with little choice.” He further stated: “We commend the bravery of the victim and her family in reporting the offence promptly.

Their swift action led to Murgatroyd’s quick arrest, charging, and remand, removing a dangerous sex offender from our community swiftly.

“We understand how difficult it can be for victims to come forward, but their courage in supporting police and prosecutors helps secure justice and ensures offenders like Murgatroyd are held accountable for their actions.”