ANTHONY LEAKE SENTENCED IN CUMBRIA FOR CHILD ABUSE IN CROMER, DENT, AND FLEETWOOD

In a significant case that spans multiple locations including Cromer, Dent, and Fleetwood, Anthony Paul Leake, aged 65, has been sentenced to nine and a half years in prison for a series of heinous child sex offences committed over several decades. The sentencing took place at Carlisle Crown Court on a recent Wednesday, bringing closure to a long-standing investigation into Leake's disturbing criminal history.

Leake's criminal activities date back to the early 1970s when he was employed as a supply teacher in Fleetwood, Lancashire. During this period, between 1972 and 1975, he targeted vulnerable children, inviting them to stay with him in a caravan located in the Dales village of Dent. It was during this time that he groomed four young victims, manipulating them into engaging in acts of gross indecency. These acts were not only committed but also recorded by Leake on film, further evidencing his predatory behavior.

His offending did not cease in the 1970s. In the 1980s, while residing in Cromer, Norfolk, Leake continued his criminal pursuits by creating indecent images of children and sexually assaulting a young girl. The investigation revealed that his pattern of abuse persisted into the 1990s, when he incited a young boy to participate in an act of gross indecency. Authorities uncovered that Leake was in possession of the indecent images and film footage he had produced, which served as crucial evidence during his arrest.

Most of Leake’s victims were children aged between 10 and 13, highlighting the disturbing nature of his predatory behavior. The case was led by Detective Constable Damian West, who emphasized the bravery of the victims in coming forward. West stated, “All of the victims have shown tremendous courage in coming forward and speaking about what happened to them. Leake was a predator who identified children who were vulnerable, befriended them, and then manipulated them into doing what he wanted. He is now where he belongs – in prison.”

He further added, “The sentence given should give his victims some sense of justice and hopefully some form of closure. This case highlights how dedicated Cumbria Police are in investigating child abuse, however long ago it happened, and we encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward.”

Authorities are urging any victims who wish to speak with trained officers to contact Cumbria Police directly on 101, reaffirming their commitment to supporting survivors and ensuring justice is served for all those affected by Leake’s actions.