A registered sex offender has been jailed after admitting sexual assault against a young girl in Kirklees and additional voyeurism offences. Andrew Garbutt, also known as Samuel Little, 42, of Wentworth Road, Bridlington, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on 27 April after pleading guilty to four sexual offences.
He was handed an extended sentence of 11 years and three months. Under the terms of the sentence, he will serve six years and three months in prison before being released on licence for the remainder of the term. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
Garbutt admitted one count of sexual assault on a child, committed between May and August 2023, along with two counts of possession of indecent photos of a child and one count of voyeurism. His offending came to light in August 2023 after the victim disclosed what had happened to her family, who then contacted Kirklees Police.
He was arrested on 1 September 2023, and safeguarding officers in Kirklees began a lengthy and complex investigation. During that enquiry, police seized Garbutt’s devices and discovered indecent images of a child, as well as a covert recording of an unidentified woman.
Garbutt was charged in July 2024 and first appeared before magistrates later that month. He admitted his guilt in court earlier this year.
DC Emily Brattan of the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit said Garbutt “undoubtedly poses a danger to young children” and welcomed the sentence. She praised the bravery of the young girl for speaking to her family and thanked the family for coming forward and supporting the investigation.
She added that police understand how difficult it can be for victims to report sexual abuse and said all reports are investigated by specially trained detectives, who can also help victims access specialist services from partner agencies.