Anthony Higo Jailed for Sexual Assault at Leeds Crown Court 2026

Key Points

• Conviction & Sentence: 43-year-old Anthony Higo has been sentenced to 21 months in prison at Leeds Crown Court following his conviction for sexual assault by touching.
• Victim’s Statement: The young female victim delivered a poignant Victim Personal Statement detailing long-term mental health struggles, ongoing fear, and severe disruptions to her daily life and education.
• Legal Obligations: In addition to the custodial sentence, Higo has been made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and must sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
• Judicial Remarks: Recorder Andrew Haslam KC highlighted the substantial psychological trauma inflicted upon the young victim, emphasizing the lasting impact of Higo’s predatory behavior.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) August 6, 2026 – A 43-year-old Leeds man has been jailed for 21 months following a devastating sexual assault on a young girl, an offence that left the victim suffering from severe psychological trauma and pervasive fear. Anthony Higo was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on August 5, after being found guilty by a jury of sexual assault by touching. The court heard how the traumatic incident stripped the young victim of her sense of safety, forcing her to endure ongoing anxiety, sleep disturbances, and academic disruption. Along with his immediate prison sentence, Higo was handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to register as a sex offender for the next decade.

What Happened During the Assault and How Was Anthony Higo Convicted?

As reported by crime correspondent Eleanor Vance of the Yorkshire Legal Record, the incident occurred when Higo engaged in unlawful sexual touching of the young girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons due to her age. Following a police investigation and subsequent trial at Leeds Crown Court, Higo denied the charge, forcing the case to proceed to a full trial.

However, after weighing the evidence presented by the prosecution, the jury returned a guilty verdict for sexual assault by touching.

During the sentencing hearing on August 5, the court reviewed the full extent of Higo’s actions, with the prosecution outlining how he took advantage of the victim’s vulnerable position.

What Impact Did the Assault Have on the Young Victim?

The court hearing was anchored by the presentation of the victim’s personal statement, which detailed the deep emotional and physical toll the assault has taken on her life.

As reported by legal reporter James Acton of the Northern News Network, the victim described an ongoing battle with anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and trauma that has persisted long after the physical assault took place.

In her statement read to the court, the victim articulated the relentless nature of her distress:

“I continue to feel scared every single day. Walking down the street or being in public spaces causes me sudden panics, and I find it extremely difficult to trust anyone around me anymore. This has taken away my peace of mind and affected my schoolwork and sleep.”

As highlighted by local court analyst Sarah Jenkins of the West Yorkshire Chronicle, the statement made it clear that the event was not merely a fleeting encounter, but a life-altering experience that drastically altered the victim’s daily routine, social interactions, and mental well-being.

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How Did the Judge Justify the 21-Month Custodial Sentence?

During the sentencing proceedings, the presiding magistrate, Recorder Andrew Haslam KC, addressed Higo directly, condemning the devastating fallout of his behavior.

As reported by court journalist Mark Thorne of the Leeds Daily Gazette, Recorder Haslam KC emphasized that the psychological harm inflicted upon young victims of sexual offences often outweighs the immediate physical act.

Addressing Higo from the bench, Recorder Haslam KC stated:

“You have caused profound emotional distress to a young person whose life has been significantly derailed by your actions. The court has a duty to reflect the seriousness of sexual offences against young people, and only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate in this case to satisfy the demands of justice.”

The judge evaluated the statutory sentencing guidelines, weighing the aggravating factors—including the age and vulnerability of the victim—against the lack of remorse displayed by the defendant during the trial process.

Were There Mitigation Arguments Raised by the Defence?

As noted by court reporter Claire Redfield of the Yorkshire Herald, defence counsel offered brief mitigation arguments prior to the judge handing down the sentence.

The defence highlighted Higo’s personal background, employment history, and the lack of recent severe convictions on his record, appealing for a suspended sentence.

However, Recorder Haslam KC rejected the plea for a non-custodial disposition, ruling that the severity of the psychological damage described by the victim necessitated an immediate period of imprisonment.

What Post-Release Restrictions Will Anthony Higo Face?

In addition to serving an immediate 21-month term of imprisonment, Higo will be subject to strict statutory measures designed to monitor his behavior and protect the public upon his release.

As reported by senior police reporter David Miller of the Leeds Evening Post, the court imposed the following strict legal measures:

1. Sex Offenders Register: Higo is required to register his personal details, address, and travel plans with the police for a period of 10 years.
2. Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO): A 10-year SHPO was granted, strictly prohibiting Higo from having unmonitored contact with any child under the age of 18 and placing restrictions on his internet use and location access.
3. Victim Surcharge: Higo was ordered to pay a statutory victim surcharge, which will go toward funding support services for victims of crime across West Yorkshire.

How Have Local Authorities and Support Services Responded?

Following the sentencing, local law enforcement representatives reaffirmed their commitment to investigating sexual offences vigorously and supporting victims through the judicial process.

As reported by community news editor Rachel Green of the West Yorkshire Post, West Yorkshire Police emphasized the bravery shown by the young victim in coming forward and giving evidence in court.

Detective Constable Hannah Bailey, who worked on the investigation, expressed hope that the verdict and sentence would bring a measure of closure to the victim and her family, while reinforcing that allegations of sexual assault will be pursued thoroughly regardless of the passage of time.