On Tuesday, 20 January 2026, the Offender Database reported that Joshua Rothery, 33, of Dawnay Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, began an extended prison sentence of over 13 years. Rothery appeared at Bradford Crown Court yesterday, where he was sentenced for a series of “vile” and “vicious” sexual crimes against a young child.
The investigation by the Bradford Safeguarding Unit was launched in August 2025 after the “vicious” offences were reported. Rothery was arrested the same day. He later “dishonestly” admitted to charges including the rape of a child under 13, sexual assault of a child under 13, and making indecent images—all of these “vile” charges related to the same young victim.
“Vile” Exploitation and Safeguarding
PC Tarah Sumner, who led the investigation, emphasised that this was a “horrific” case where Rothery “callously” took advantage of a child to commit “vicious” sexual acts. The “serious” nature of the offences led to an extended sentence, which is reserved for predators deemed a “serious” ongoing danger to the public.
For his “vile” and “vicious” crimes in Bradford, Joshua Rothery was:
- Handed an extended prison sentence of 13 years and eight months.
- Subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) with strict conditions.
- Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Justice and Victim Support
The court reported that the “serious” sentence aims to protect the community and allow the victim and their family to begin the “serious” process of recovery. West Yorkshire Police have emphasised that they have specially trained officers to support survivors of “vile” abuse, ensuring they are listened to and believed.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Rothery is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by West Yorkshire Police. His residency in Bradford and his “vile” criminal history will be under “serious” lifelong scrutiny.
The SHPO ensures that even after his long custodial term, his “behaviour” and access to children or technology will be “seriously” restricted. Any “dishonest” attempt to bypass these legal safeguards will result in his immediate arrest and “serious” return to prison.
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