SEXUAL assault victims in West Yorkshire have been assured they will get support, after a former police chief said there was no help for them after court.

Giving evidence at the inquest of former Keighley man Simon Holt, 44, who hanged himself after being sexually abused, retired detective superintendent Lisa Griffin said she had found the case “harrowing”.

Mr Holt, of East Bowling in Bradford, was abused by self-styled preacher Brian Jackson. He committed suicide last year, three years after testifying at Jackson’s trial, helping to convict him over a 30-year campaign of rape, brutality and sexual assault against at least six victims.

Jackson, of Windhill in Shipley, was jailed for life. He died last month, aged 54.

Assistant coroner, Oliver Longstaff, said Jackson was to blame for Mr Holt’s death.

Ms Griffin, the senior investigating officer in the case, told the inquest there was nothing for victims beyond the resolution of the case at court.

She said police family liaison officers supported the victims to the end of a trial.

But she added: “They walk away with nothing to continue to help support them.

"It struck me each and every time. I would say goodbye and thank you to a member of the public as they left court. It had always been a concern for me.”

Ms Griffin said Mr Holt was “in bits as he walked away from the court. It didn’t seem fair he should walk away without any support.”

Mr Holt’s mother, Dorothy, said her son got no support. “He had a breakdown after the court case," she said. "There should have been counselling. There is nothing here. Other people will have died because they did not have the support.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Griffiths, of West Yorkshire Police, said sexual assault victims in West Yorkshire will be supported, throughout the criminal justice process and beyond.

“While the involvement of the police may cease at the conclusion of an investigation, we work with partners to ensure that support is provided for as long as the victim requires it, which for some victims can be lifelong assistance,” he said.

He added two new support services – the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service and Sexual Assault Referral Centres – had been introduced in West Yorkshire, alongside existing ones. Both services are available, whether or not victims report the incident to police.

Lesley McLean, divisional manager for Victim Support in West Yorkshire, said: “We offer support for as long as people require it.”

She said a separate body, the Citizens Advice Witness Service, supported victims during the court process.

Call the Victim Assessment Referral Centre on 0300 3031971 to make a referral.