ANTHONY LEAVER FROM AYLESBURY AND HIGH WYCOMBE CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

In October 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving Anthony Leaver, a man with a troubling addiction to child abuse images. Leaver, aged 54, was the landlord of the White Swan pub located on Walton Street in Aylesbury, where he managed the establishment alongside his wife, Terri. The case came to light after police executed a raid on his flat situated above the pub, leading to a series of revelations about his illicit activities.

During the police operation, Leaver readily admitted his guilt, stating simply, “it was me, I admit it,” as he was confronted with the evidence. The court proceedings took place at Amersham, where Judge Karen Holt presided over the case for Aylesbury Crown Court. It was revealed that Leaver’s actions had profound personal consequences; his wife has since left him, and she has relinquished the pub’s license, which is now closed, to relocate to Norfolk.

Leaver’s secretive behavior involved the use of a laptop to access and download a staggering 20,000 vile images and videos depicting children as young as six and seven years old. Many of these images were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of child exploitation material, while the majority fell into Category C. The images and videos were obtained through the Frostwire file-sharing system, which Leaver used to acquire these disturbing files.

In an attempt to conceal his activities, Leaver tried to prevent others from accessing the illicit material by transferring files onto USB sticks and a computer hard drive. Despite these efforts, police investigations uncovered that 42 files remained accessible for download when his laptop was seized. Leaver, who also worked at Oxford University and has two adult sons, was supported by his son during the court hearing. It was disclosed that students at Oxford University had discovered his crimes, which ultimately led to him leaving his job as a telephone engineer.

Leaver’s defense team described his arrest as a relief for him, noting that he recognized the unhealthy and “thoroughly evil” nature of his addiction. During police questioning, Leaver referred to his actions as driven by a “sick fascination.” The court also heard that he had sought help from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, an organization that provides intensive courses aimed at helping individuals overcome paedophilic tendencies.

Leaver’s flat was described as being filled with possessions, indicating a hoarder-like lifestyle. His defense argued that he was a man who had led a blameless life prior to these revelations, but that he had been consumed by his obsession in his private space. Interestingly, Leaver admitted to police that even more files containing additional images were stored in his car, demonstrating a degree of cooperation during questioning.

In sentencing, Leaver, now residing in High Wycombe, received a sentence of eight months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and mandated to attend a rehabilitation course designed to help him understand the nature and impact of his crimes. This case highlights the serious consequences of such illicit activities and the ongoing efforts to address and prevent child exploitation.