Locations
Halifax Road, Bradford, BD6
Description
“One day, you will walk free and continue with your life. But for my daughter and me, there is no end date to our sentence. We cannot simply leave this behind when a prison sentence ends. We must live with these memories, this pain, and the lasting impact of what happened every single day.”
These powerful words, spoken by the victim’s mother, were directed at sex offender Duane Platt, who today received a prison sentence for two sexual offences against a child.
Platt, 37, of Halifax Road, Bradford, was jailed for six years at Leeds Crown Court today (Thursday 24 September) after being convicted of serious sexual offences in Kirklees.
The 37-year-old was found guilty following a trial in July of two sexual assaults against a teenage girl, including one offence involving penetration.
The offences occurred in June 2023, and were reported to police the day after they took place.
An investigation was subsequently launched by detectives from the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, and Platt was arrested shortly afterwards.
In addition to his custodial sentence, Platt was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The order places strict conditions upon him and means he can be immediately arrested and prosecuted should he breach any of its terms upon his release from prison.
He will also remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Detective Constable Amy Green, of the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, said:
“Platt committed extremely serious sexual offences against a vulnerable young victim, and we welcome the sentence handed down by the court today.
"Throughout the investigation and court proceedings, he showed no remorse for his actions and, at times, sought to place blame on the victim rather than accept responsibility for his offending.
"I would like to commend the courage and resilience shown by the victim and her family throughout this process. They have remained patient, determined and committed to seeing justice done."
She added:
"Reporting offences of this nature is never easy, and their bravery in coming forward and supporting the prosecution has helped ensure that a dangerous offender has been held accountable for his actions.
"We hope that today's outcome provides them with some measure of closure and allows them to begin moving forward with their lives.
"All reports of child sexual abuse and sexual offending are treated with the utmost seriousness and are investigated by specialist officers. We are committed to supporting victims throughout the criminal justice process and ensuring they are signposted to the help and support services they may need."