Jury at Bradford Crown Court hear of man's repeated violent abuse over 30 years ago

Friday, 11 October 2019 16:00

A jury at Bradford Crown Court heard how a teenage sex worker was brutally and repeatedly beaten by an abuser over three decades ago.

Andrew Delsol, 55, of no fixed abode, is on trial at Bradford Crown Court charged with 12 offences dating back more than 30 years involving two women, including living off the earnings of prostitution, indecent assault, multiple counts of rape, wounding, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and making a threat to kill.

Speaking at Bradford Crown Court, the woman recounted the abuse she suffered, at the hands of Delsol, and the trauma it had caused her.

She told the court how she met him when she was 17 or 18 and was in a relationship with him for a few months, when he became more demanding and controlling.

Prior to their relationship she was already selling herself for sex, although she alleged Delsol began interfering with this aspect of her life, making her give him £100 of her earning every day.

The court heard instances where Delsol would become jealous and attack the woman, kicking her in the head, giving her a concussion, as well as attempting to drown her and suffocating her until she passed out.

Prosecutor David McGonigal told the jury a second victim alleges Delsol stabbed her in the leg with a screwdriver and poured petrol on her, before flicking a lighter and threatening to kill her if she went to the police.

Delsol denies all charges relating to the 12 offences brought against him.

The trial continues.

More from Local and National News

City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.
Leeds City Council to launch review on taxi vehicle condition standards

Leeds City Council’s Licensing Committee is to embark on a review of vehicle condition standards for hackney and private hire vehicles, following updates to national guidance.
Man Named After Fatal Road Traffic Collision, Leeds Road, Bradford

Police have named the man who died after a road traffic collision on Leeds Road in Bradford last week.
Over £4,000 raised for Mental Health Charity in Bradford

Visitors to the stunning Van Gogh Alive UK exhibition in Bradford donated more than £4,000 to Mind in Bradford.
Bradford Clean Air Zone and the results of traffic flow monitoring

The Bradford Clean Air Zone has been live since September 2022 and is operating to improve air quality in the district by deterring the most polluting vehicles from entering the zone.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm