Halton Moor death: Body found named as Leeds pensioner standing trial for rape allegations against young boy

At 6.33am yesterday (Monday) police received a report of a man having been found dead on land near to the junction of Cartmell Drive and Neville Road in Halton Moor, Leeds.

West Yorkshire Police have now identified the body as 83-year-old Bernard McGrath, who was facing multiple charges of raping a young boy when he was aged between six and 15.

McGrath was charged with seven counts of indecent assault, indecency with a child, five counts of rape and two of assault by penetration.

The alleged victim told the jury he was first targeted by the defendant when he was just six years-old. He said he began with touching his genitals over clothing, and progressed to kissing and more serious assaults.

A police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the man found dead on land off Cartmell Drive, Halton Moor, at 6.33am yesterday morning was Bernard McGrath, aged 84, from Halton Moor.

“There were no suspicious circumstances in relation to his death and the Coroner’s Office has been informed.

“He had previously been charged with non-recent child sex offences, following an investigation by Leeds District Safeguarding Unit, and a trial had been ongoing at Leeds Crown Court.

“We are aware that those proceedings have now been discontinued as a result of his death.”

Giving evidence at the trial, Mr McGrath denied all charges and accused the complainant as being a “fantasist”.