Child, 12, groomed for sex by Keighley man, court told

Graham Bradley was alleged to have been “controlling and manipulative” so he was able to have sex with her against her will.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that Bradley, of Cliffe Crescent, Keighley, had groomed the girl from about the age of 12.

Prosecutor Richard Woolfall alleged that Bradley began by playfighting with the girl and instigating inappropriate discussions with her about sex. He then moved on to asking to see her breasts and body. Mr Woolfall alleged Bradley raped the girl when she was 14 and 15.

The prosecutor said: “The defendant was skilled at turning situations to his advantage to enable him to exert further control over her, to his advantage and to her detriment.”

Mr Woolfall said Bradley used different ways to ensure the girl did not tell anybody, including telling her no-one would believe her over him; trying to buy her silence with money; and saying her family would suffer health problems if she told them.

Mr Woolfall said the girl, who cannot be identified, felt unable to confide in anyone for a very long time and put her own emotions and health to one side.

He said she sacrificed herself and was unskilled to cope with what Bradley was putting her through. Mr Woolfall added: “It appears her health, certainly her happiness and well being, was significantly suffering as a result of his behaviour.”

He said she was later able to confide parts of what had happened to others, including friends and family members, and eventually was able to tell the full story to police.

Mr Woolfall said the defendant denied raping the girl.

“He says that until she was 16 he never had sex with her at all,” the prosecutor told the jury. “He accepts he paid her for sex after she was at the age of consent and has pleaded guilty to that.

“The Crown’s case is the complainant says that prior to her being 16 he raped her on four occasions.”

Bradley pleads not guilty to four counts of rape. The trial continues.