A pensioner who sexually abused a young girl more than 30 years ago has walked out of court after his victim begged a judge not to lock him up.
Imposing a suspended sentence on 76-year-old William Nolson, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC said he had considered jailing him for four years.
But he had changed his mind after hearing that the victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, did not want him to be sent to prison.
Nolson, of Cunliffe Lane, Esholt, Shipley, pleaded guilty last week to five charges of indecent assault and one of indecency with a child.
He was sentenced yesterday to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He will also be placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and will have to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life.
Bradford Crown Court heard how the girl was repeatedly abused by Nolson during the 1970s and that he told her he loved her and suggested he was preparing her for marriage.
He was described as a violent and controlling man who later developed a drink problem.
Judge Durham Hall criticised Nolson for his “blatant vacillation” over whether to admit the offences, initially pleading guilty and then seeking to have those pleas withdrawn.
The judge asked him: “Did you commit these offences?”
Nolson replied: “Yes.”
Judge Durham Hall: “Why on earth did you tell the probation officer that you denied everything that had happened?”
Nolson: “I don’t know, sir. I don’t know how to answer that.”
The judge said that the case was “as difficult a sentencing exercise as anyone could possibly imagine.”
Passing sentence, he added: “It is simply because that woman who you so sordidly abused has begged me not to send you to prison that I will not do so today.
“Because of her and because she doesn’t want you to go to prison I will spare you today.”
Stephen Couch, mitigating, said Nolson – who walks with the aid of two sticks – was now in poor health, mentally and physically.
He had spent a “pretty torrid” few days in prison on remand. Even a short sentence could mean he could die in prison, Mr Couch said.
At the time of the offences he was in drink, troubled and disturbed, the court heard.
“For him to face up psychologically to what he has done has been a very difficult task,” added Mr Couch. “He tells me that he is remorseful.”
