Halifax sex offender back behind bars

James Hartley, 63, was jailed for 10 years in 2012 for sexual abuse offences against boys in the 1980s.

Yesterday, he was locked up again for six years following a trial at Bradford Crown Court in June.

A jury convicted Hartley of three offences of sexual activity with a child relating to his abuse of the youngster back in the 2000s.

Hartley, of Shaw Hill in Halifax, appeared via a prison video link for a sentence hearing at the crown court and, as part his sentence, Judge Ahmed Nadim imposed an amended Sexual Harm Prevention Order which will last for the next 20 years.

Hartley must also register as a sex offender with the police for the rest of his life.

Prosecutor Richard Walters read a victim personal statement provided by the complainant in case in which he outlined the impact of Hartley’s offending.

The complainant, who must not be identified for legal reasons, had to seek professional help with deal a variety of issues and said he had not been able to live a normal life.

The court heard he had been diagnosed with PTSD and still suffered anxiety and nightmares.

Jailing Hartley Judge Nadim said the complainant was a vulnerable child who had been exploited for the defendant’s own sexual gratification.

“Sexual offending against children frequently causes profound and enduring harm,” said the judge.

“In this case the victim personal statement demonstrates the reality of that harm.

“More than 20 years after these offences the complainant continues to suffer the consequences of your actions.”

Hartley will have to serve two-thirds of his six-year jail term before being released.