CARL LEECH SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR RAPE IN ABERYSTWYTH AND RUGELEY

In a case that has shocked the communities of Aberystwyth and Rugeley, Carl Leech was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple sexual offenses involving a young girl. The crimes took place over a period spanning from September 2008 to July 2009, with the victim, a girl aged between 10 and 11 years old, subjected to repeated acts of sexual assault.

According to court proceedings, Leech, who was 43 years old at the time of sentencing and recently residing on Cambrian Street in Aberystwyth, engaged in a series of heinous acts at a residence in Rugeley. The prosecution, led by Mr. Anthony Potter, detailed how Leech sexually abused the young girl on three separate occasions, including two counts of anal rape and one of vaginal rape.

The court heard that Leech would force the girl to remove her clothing before committing the assaults. After each incident, he would threaten her to remain silent, warning her that if she disclosed what had happened, she would face serious trouble. To further manipulate her, Leech promised to provide her with mobile phone credit if she kept quiet and did not tell her mother.

The victim, who was too frightened to speak out initially, finally found the courage to report the abuse in March of this year. She sent a text message to her mother, revealing the details of the assaults, which prompted a police investigation. On March 10, police officers arrested Leech, who initially denied all allegations. However, on the day he was scheduled to stand trial, he pleaded guilty to the charges.

During the sentencing hearing, Recorder Mr. Simon Draycott QC imposed a significant penalty, sentencing Leech to 12 years in prison. Additionally, he ordered Leech to be placed on the sex offenders register for life and prohibited him from working with children indefinitely. The court's decision underscores the severity of the crimes and the impact on the young victim.

Leech's defense attorney, Mr. Tim Pole, acknowledged the seriousness of the case, stating, “I concede he is going to get a relatively long sentence.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the consequences faced by those who commit such grievous offenses.