A 30 year old man Ryan Baskerville from Liversedge, branded as dangerous by detectives, has been sentenced to 12 years after admitting to a series of child sex offences against a young boy. The sentencing took place at Leeds Crown Court on Tuesday, January 9, where Baskerville received a seven-year prison term with an additional five years on licence.
The court also imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order on the 30-year-old offender. The charges stem from sexual assaults committed by Baskerville against his young victim between 2020 and 2022. The Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit launched a thorough investigation after the victim bravely spoke out about the incidents, leading to a report to Kirklees Police.
Detective Constable Angus Whitehead, who led the investigation, commended the courage of the victim and their family for reporting Baskerville’s offences. The investigation, supported by witnesses providing crucial evidence, resulted in Baskerville’s arrest and subsequent charges.
DC Whitehead stated, “I welcome the sentence handed down by Leeds Crown Court to Baskerville for his abhorrent crimes. He is a dangerous and manipulative offender, and I hope that today’s sentence will give the victim and his family some solace, allowing them to move on with their lives.”
Encouraging victims of unreported sexual offences to come forward, DC Whitehead emphasised the police’s commitment to handling reports with utmost sensitivity, ensuring thorough investigations to bring offenders to justice.
