Leeds man jailed for sexually assaulting 13-year-old girl on Boxing Day

A man has been jailed after sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in an attack that left the victim struggling with the lasting impact of the abuse.

On Boxing Day, December 26, 2023, Anthony Higo, 43, from Leeds, sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl.

The girl came forward to the police about the assault in January 2024, which led to Higo being arrested.

In a victim personal statement, the girl explained how the abuse had had a lasting impact on her life.

The statement read: "This incident has had a significant impact on my wellbeing and daily life. It affected me so much that I often couldn't sleep properly and would stay awake all night.

“Sometimes, I couldn't get myself out of bed for school. Even when I did manage to fall asleep, I would wake repeatedly throughout the night.

"I continue to feel scared when I am home alone, particularly if someone knocks at the door. I always fear that it is him, despite knowing that he is not allowed to come near my home."

Higo was charged and found guilty of sexual assault by touching on a 13-year-old girl

On Wednesday (Aug 5), Higo was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court, to 21 months imprisonment and placed on the sex offenders register.

He is also the subject of both a restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Child safeguarding detectives have commended the courage of the young survivor following the sentencing of the 43-year-old.

DC Heather Richmond said: “The survivor in this case has shown genuine bravery and determination in coming forwards and then supporting a prosecution against this man.

"We hope seeing him imprisoned can bring them some comfort and we continue to urge all victims of sexual offending to contact us, whether recent or non-recent, so we can create safer communities.”