Predatory Huddersfield pensioner known as Bamba sexually abused girls for ten years
The OAP has finally been jailed at the age of 83
A predatory pensioner who sexually abused two young girls over a ten-year period has finally been jailed at the age of 83.
James Michael Butterworth, of Lowerhouses in Huddersfield, targeted the two girls between 2007 and 2017 after taking advantage of them. They separately reported their abuse to police in the early 2020s and after an investigation by specialist safeguarding detectives Butterworth, who is known as Bamba, was arrested.
But it wasn't until 2025 following lengthy investigations that Butterworth was summonsed to court. And he has now been jailed for four years after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences.
He was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault on a female and two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15. Butterworth was also convicted of four sexual offences against a second victim.
DC Joanne Hyde of the Kirklees Criminal Exploitation Team, who led the investigation with PC Bailey, said: “Both survivors in this case have shown genuine bravery and determination in coming forwards and then supporting a prosecution against this man. Butterworth is a dangerous and predatory sex offender who took advantage of them when they were both young girls and went on to commit a number of sexual offences against them.
“We know the offences they suffered left them with trauma they have carried for years afterwards, and we hope seeing Butterworth sentenced today will bring them some comfort. We continue to urge all victims of sexual offending who may not have come forwards, for whatever reason, to contact us.
"All reports are investigated by specialist safeguarding officers who can signpost victims to any support they may need.”
More information about how to report sexual offending, and support available to victims can be found on our website at https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/WhenYouAreReady