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.

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