A FORMER lorry driver who sexually abused two girls in the 1970s and 80s has been allowed back to his Brighouse home, but a judge has told him he faces a long prison sentence next month.
Alan Harris, who previously lived in Elland, had denied a series of allegations involving a female complainant who was only 11 when he started to molest her, but late this afternoon a jury at Bradford Crown Court found him guilty.
The jury cleared the married 72-year-old on the allegation of rape against the same complainant, but he was convicted of the alternative charge of attempted rape.
Harris was also found guilty of indecently assault and indecency with a child allegations in relation to the same complainant.
Last week Harris pleaded guilty during his trial to a separate allegation of indecent assault involving a second girl aged 15. Neither of the complainants can be identified for legal reasons.
Recorder Graham Hyland QC adjourned sentenced on Harris so that a pre-sentence report could be prepared on him, but he told the pensioner that he must be under no illusion about the sentence.
''As you have heard me say the sentence of imprisonment that I will pass will be a substantial sentence of imprisonment,'' he told Harris.
But the judge said because of the difficult personal circumstances relating to Harris and his wife he was prepared to take an exceptional course and grant him bail in the meantime.
Under the terms of the bail Harris will have to reside at his home in Waterloo Road and he will also have to report to Halifax police station once a week.
As a result of his conviction Harris will now have to register with the police as a sex offender.
Harris is due to be sentenced for the sexual abuse of the girls on May 8.
