COLIN LEE FROM RATBY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSES IN LEICESTERSHIRE

In a significant case that has shaken the local community, Colin Lee, a 79-year-old resident of Ratby, has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses committed against children over three decades ago. The conviction was handed down at Leicester Crown Court on Tuesday, 29 May, following a jury's unanimous verdict that found Lee guilty of nine separate charges related to child sexual abuse.

Lee, who resides on Station Road in Ratby, had consistently denied all allegations, which included nine counts of indecent assault and gross indecency with minors. Despite his denials, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him on multiple counts involving both boys and girls under the age of 16, with some victims as young as under 14. The crimes spanned from the late 1970s into the early 1980s, a period during which Lee was living in Leicester.

The details of the case reveal that Lee exploited moments when he was alone with his young victims, often telling them to keep their experiences secret and warning them not to disclose what had happened. His offenses included three counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14, three counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14, two counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16, and one count of gross indecency with a boy under 14.

Detective Constable Jo Davison, who led the investigation, emphasized the long history of abuse and the courage of the victims who finally came forward. She stated, “Colin Lee began his years of abuse in the late 1970s, when his victims were children or just in their early teens. For years, he thought his crimes would not be brought before the courts, believing that his victims would remain silent.”

She continued, “But in 2016, the victims found the strength to speak out and disclose the horrific abuse they endured. This disclosure prompted our investigation, which ultimately led to Lee’s arrest and conviction. Despite his persistent denial, once the first victim came forward, we uncovered that there were several others who had suffered at his hands.”

Davison highlighted the bravery of the victims, acknowledging their willingness to relive traumatic memories by speaking to the police. “His victims have shown immense bravery in coming forward, and Lee is now facing a lengthy prison sentence as a result of their courage,” she concluded. The case underscores the importance of speaking out against abuse and the justice that can be achieved even after many years have passed.