A WEST YORKSHIRE man has been jailed for more than 12 years after pleading guilty to multiple child sex offences.

Andrew Whittaker, 62 and from Normanton, was jailed at Leeds Crown Court on Monday, 6 June for 12 years and nine months after admitting eight sexual assaults against a teenage girl in the Wakefield area.  

The offending took place against a single victim, and included seven child sex offences and one sexual assault.

The crimes were reported to Wakefield District safeguarding detectives in 2020, sparking a detailed investigation.

Whittaker was arrested and later charged in November 2021.

Aside from his sentencing he will also have to sign the sex offenders’ register.

DC Jane Aspinall, of the Wakefield District Child Safeguarding Unit, said: “The substantial sentence given by the court reflects the seriousness of the dreadful offending Whittaker committed against his young victim.

“His behaviour towards her was abhorrent and I want to praise her courage in coming forwards and in reporting his actions.

“Her bravery in supporting the prosecution has helped the police and CPS put a man who is undoubtedly a threat to children behind bars.

“We continue to urge all victims of sexual assault to come forwards and always make reports to us, no matter when those offences may have occurred.

“Victims will always be treated with care and discretion by specialist officers, and we will do all we can to thoroughly investigate and, with partner agencies, provide the necessary support to victims.”