Locations
Bradshaw Road, Holmfirth, Kirklees, HD9
Description
A teenage girl has been commended for her courage in helping to jail a Kirklees man who seriously sexually assaulted her.
Kirklees safeguarding detectives have welcomed the sentencing of Nico Barraclough, aged 33, at Leeds Crown Court today (23/2) for serious sexual offending against a young teenager in the Kirklees area.
They praised the victim’s bravery in disclosing what the 33-year-old had done, despite attempts he made to stop her speaking of his crimes.
Barraclough, of Bradshaw Lane, Honley, was sentenced to 11 years in prison with three years extended licence after being found guilty of an offence of rape, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and two offences of engaging in sexual activity with a child.
The offending took place between between July 2023 and April 2024 when it was reported to police after the victim disclosed what Barralcough had done.
An investigation was quickly launched by specialist officers at the Child Safeguarding Unit resulting in Barraclough’s arrest on 15 April.
Following further enquiries he was charged to appear before magistrates just two days later.
DC Paul Campbell of the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, said:
“We welcome the sentencing of Barraclough for extremely serious sexual offending against a young and vulnerable girl.
“He groomed and exploited her, and also attempted to stop her talking to anyone about the sexual offences he was committing.
“She has shown real courage in disclosing what took place and then, with her family, supporting both the police investigation, and subsequent prosecution of Barraclough.
“Rather than admit his guilt, despite strong evidence of his offending, he chose to put both her and her family through the ordeal of a trial and this was reflected in his sentence.
“We hope seeing him jailed has brought the victim some closure and comfort, and continue to urge all victims of sexual abuse to contact us.
“All reports are investigated by specialist officers with the victim’s needs at the heart of everything we do.”