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    25

    Aug

    Last Updated: 24/08/2026
    Crime
    Crime

    Harrogate man accused of rape and sexual assault on 15-year-old

    by Ellie McKinnell

    | 25 Aug, 2026
    Comment

    0

    harrogate-magistrates-court-sized-2
    Harrogate Magistrates Court.

    Some readers may find details of this article distressing.

    A Harrogate man has been accused of a number of sexual offences, including rape, against a 15-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

    James Lofthouse, 28, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (August 20) charged with sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity in front of a child, rape of a girl, and engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl.

    The alleged offences took place over a period of two weeks, from August 3, 2016 to August 24, 2016, and included Mr Lofthouse – who would have been 18 at the time – urinating over the girl for sexual fulfilment.

    Due the severity of the allegations, Mr Lofthouse, of Dragon Parade, was sent to York Crown Court where his trial will be heard on September 14, 2026.

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