Man sentenced to 20 years in prison for five counts of rape

Credit: West Yorkshire Police

Elliott Appleyard from Denby Dale, Huddersfield, has been sentenced at Leeds Crown Court today (25 January) to 20 years in prison for a string of child sex offences.

On 24 January a jury found the 71-year-old guilty of five counts of rape and ten counts of indecent assault after an eight day trial.

Appleyard manipulated, groomed and controlled his young victim and subjected her to a campaign of serious sexual abuse, as well as other forms of violent and abusive behaviour over many years.

Claire Walsh, from the CPS said:

Counts and sentences:

  • Five counts - Rape: 20 years for each count to be served concurrently.

  • Ten counts - Indecent Assault: First count: 12 months to be served concurrently. Further nine counts: Two years for each count to be served concurrently.