Locations
Whitehill Drive, Halifax, Calderdale, HX2
Description
Halifax Rapist Neil Burns Jailed for 11 Years
A 56-year-old Halifax man has been jailed for 11 years after being found guilty of rape at Bradford Crown Court.
Neil Burns, of Whitehill Drive, Illingworth, will also serve a four-year extended licence period on release. Judge Roger Thomas KC ruled that Burns poses a significant risk of causing serious harm in the future.
Burns had previous convictions dating back to the late 1980s, when he received terms of detention for indecent assault and grievous bodily harm. In 2003 he was jailed for a further indecent assault. An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed on him in 2015.
In 2024 and 2025 Burns breached the order by using dating sites and failing to disclose electronic devices in his possession. He was also convicted of multiple breaches of the SHPO and common assault against a second woman.
Barrister Erin Kilson-Parker, representing Burns, said his previous convictions aggravated the rape offence.
Judge Thomas considered imposing a discretionary life sentence but decided against it. He noted that the victim personal statement described the “very profound effect” on the complainant.
Burns was made subject to two indefinite restraining orders prohibiting contact with either of the two female complainants. He must register as a sex offender with the police for life.