BRADFORD PAEDOPHILE TERENCE BOLTON'S SHOCKING CRIMES AND COURT SENTENCE IN BRADFORD

In January 2016, a disturbing case involving Terence Bolton, a known offender from Bradford, came to light during a court hearing that revealed the extent of his past and recent crimes. Bolton, aged 68 and residing on Springhead Road in Thornton, Bradford, was involved in a series of sexual offenses against young boys spanning over several decades, with his most recent conviction highlighting the ongoing danger he posed to children in the Bradford area.

Bolton's criminal history includes a previous conviction in 1999 for gross indecency and indecent assault against three boys aged 12, 11, and six. At that time, he was sentenced to 42 months in prison, a sentence that drew public criticism for its perceived leniency, especially considering his earlier offenses in the 1970s. Despite serving less than two years, Bolton managed to stay out of trouble until the recent revelations surfaced.

The latest case emerged when Bolton's victim, now 25 years old, contacted the police early in the previous year. The young man, who suffers from mental health issues, had long believed that his mother was aware of Bolton's abuse, even thinking that money had exchanged hands. This misconception was rooted in his belief that his mother’s allowing him to spend time with Bolton indicated her consent or knowledge of the abuse. The victim recounted that Bolton had befriended him over several years, engaging in activities such as gardening, fishing, and spending time in the woods, during which the abuse took place.

According to prosecutor Kitty Taylor, Bolton, a retired care home caretaker, had molested the young boy over a period of several months in 1998. The abuse included acts now classified as rape, and it ceased only after Bolton was arrested for molesting the three boys. During the investigation, Bolton initially admitted to touching the boy once in Peel Park, Bradford, but later confessed to repeatedly abusing him over a span of three to six months. The assaults took place in Bolton's car and in a garden shed at his workplace.

When questioned by police in 1998, Bolton did not disclose the full extent of his offenses. His arrest in February of the previous year led to his being charged with multiple counts of indecent assault and gross indecency. During the court proceedings, Bolton pleaded guilty to eight counts related to the recent abuse.

Judge Colin Burn sentenced Bolton to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, accompanied by a six-month curfew order. The court also mandated that Bolton register as a sex offender for life and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having any unsupervised contact with children. The judge emphasized the importance of transparency, urging Bolton to disclose any additional offenses he might be hiding. In his remarks, Judge Burn stated, "The complainant has had to suffer, week in week out, because of what you did to him years ago. There’s no such thing as water under the bridge as far as offences of this nature are concerned. It would have been perfectly open to you to have volunteered that (this boy) was involved as well."

Bolton's defense lawyer, Andrew Walker, described the case as exceptional, highlighting that Bolton had completed two sex offender treatment programs—one during his incarceration and another after his release into a hostel in 2000. Walker argued that there was a story of punishment and rehabilitation, acknowledging Bolton's past predatory behavior. The court was also informed that Bolton was in poor health, walking with a stick and having lost the use of one hand, which the lawyer said contributed to his physical difficulties.

In a related context from January 1999, Bradford MP Terry Rooney expressed outrage over Bolton's sentencing, which he believed was too lenient. Rooney, representing Bradford North, called for harsher penalties, advocating for at least ten years of imprisonment for repeat offenders like Bolton. He also praised Bradford Social Services for initiating an inquiry into why Bolton's previous conviction from 1973, when he served 12 months for similar offenses, was not disclosed earlier. Rooney emphasized the need for stricter supervision and longer sentences, asserting that children’s safety was at risk with individuals like Bolton in the community.

Following the recent sentencing, the Crown Prosecution Service announced plans to appeal the length of Bolton's jail term. Additionally, Bradford Social Services revealed that they were unaware of Bolton's earlier conviction when they conducted inquiries prompted by concerns from one of the boys' parents. Rooney criticized the communication failures among agencies involved, stating, "It’s another scandal, the same thing happened at Ashworth Hospital. Communication breakdowns happen all too easily when a number of agencies are involved and steps must be taken to ensure they don’t continue. Bradford Council is right to open an inquiry and I hope the police are doing the same. This case also proves once a paedophile, always a paedophile."