GORDON MOORE FROM HOLBECK, LEEDS, SENTENCED FOR ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Leeds community, Gordon Moore, a 39-year-old man formerly residing on Euston Grove in Holbeck, was sentenced to an indefinite prison term following his involvement in a series of heinous crimes against a 14-year-old girl. The case unraveled after police investigations revealed a deeply troubling relationship that spanned over a year, during which Moore engaged in criminal activities including abduction, sexual exploitation, and possession of indecent images.

According to court proceedings, Moore had met the young girl at a social gathering in March 2008, when he was 38 and she was only 14. What initially appeared to be a casual acquaintance quickly turned into a sinister relationship marked by manipulation and abuse. The court heard that Moore not only engaged in sexual activity with the girl but also took explicit photographs of her, including images of her chained to a bed in a state of undress. These images, more than 250 in total, were discovered on a digital camera memory card during police searches.

Further investigations uncovered that Moore had taken steps to hide the girl across various locations in the country, including houses in Milton Keynes, Rotherham, and Leeds. He arranged for her to be kept in these locations for approximately four weeks, with the apparent aim of evading social services and law enforcement until she reached the age of 16. During this period, the girl was reportedly kept in captivity, and her relationship with Moore was characterized by obsession and control. Court documents revealed that the girl, now 16, was engaged to Moore, had his child, and remained emotionally attached to him despite the abuse.

Police and social services had multiple interactions with Moore and the girl. Initially, authorities discovered her in bed with a 17-year-old girl at Moore’s residence, but no immediate action was taken as the girl denied any sexual relationship with Moore. Subsequent visits uncovered bondage gear, love poems written by the girl, and other evidence of a disturbing relationship. In October of the previous year, social workers visited Moore’s home, but the girl ran away and went missing, prompting further concern and investigation.

Moore’s arrest came on October 20, when he was detained on suspicion of harboring a missing person. However, he was released shortly after due to insufficient evidence, as authorities did not know the girl’s whereabouts at that time. The case took a significant turn on November 1, when two individuals assisting Moore in hiding the girl approached police and provided crucial information. This led to his re-arrest and the discovery of the extensive collection of indecent images.

During the trial, Moore admitted to child abduction, engaging in sexual activity with a minor, and possessing indecent images of a child. Prosecutor Richard Woolfall highlighted the severity of the case, emphasizing that Moore’s relationship with the girl was not only inappropriate but also ongoing and manipulative. The court was told that Moore’s actions demonstrated a clear pattern of exploitation and control.

Judge Kerry Macgill sentenced Moore to an indeterminate prison sentence for public protection, underscoring the gravity of his crimes. The judge stated, “I’m quite satisfied she came under your spell. I’m quite satisfied that this was an ongoing sexual relationship.” Additionally, Moore was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from contacting the girl until she turns 18 and from working with children in any capacity. The court’s verdict reflects the serious concern over Moore’s conduct and the need to protect vulnerable minors from similar exploitation in the future.