HARRY LEIGH OF HASTINGS JAILED FOR SERIAL OFFENDER WITH MURDER MANUAL AND KILLER PLANS

In April 2019, Harry Leigh, a 19-year-old man from Hastings, was sentenced to prison after a series of disturbing criminal activities that revealed a deeply troubling pattern of predatory behavior and violent fantasies. Leigh, who sought notoriety as the so-called 'Red Ribbon Killer of Hastings,' had meticulously crafted a chilling 'murder manual' that detailed plans to target and kill young girls within the local area.

Leigh’s sinister intentions included leaving red ribbons at the scenes of his supposed crimes, a symbolic gesture that he believed would mark his victims and serve as a signature of his dark persona. His obsession with violence and serial killers was evident in the materials police uncovered during a raid on his home in Hastings, Sussex. Authorities acted swiftly after Leigh’s arrest for the sexual assault of a 15-year-old schoolgirl, whom he had approached under the guise of offering help with her homework.

During the police search of his residence, investigators found a disturbing collection of items that painted a picture of a deeply disturbed individual. Among the items recovered were a detailed murder manual, plastic sheeting, maps, and an array of knives. These discoveries raised serious concerns about Leigh’s potential for further violence and his fixation on serial killers. As the investigation progressed, more victims came forward, revealing that Leigh had attacked several young girls, further implicating him in a pattern of predatory behavior.

Leigh faced a series of charges at Hove Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to multiple counts. These included five counts of inciting four girls aged between 13 and 15 to engage in sexual activity, eight counts of causing seven girls aged between 12 and 15 to witness sexual acts, and three counts of creating indecent images of children. The crimes spanned from January 2018, highlighting a troubling escalation in his offending behavior over time.

The court heard harrowing testimony from the victim, the 15-year-old schoolgirl, who described the profound impact the assault had on her life. In her victim impact statement, she expressed feelings of vulnerability and ongoing trauma, stating, “It’s hard to put into words all the ways this has affected my life and who I thought I was going to be. I don’t feel comfortable in my own skin and I feel that looking at me can always tell. I have nightmares almost every night. I can’t stuff the feelings back inside. I’m still full of anger and resentment at what happened.”

Leigh’s criminal history revealed that his offending began when he was just 13 years old, with his actions becoming increasingly serious and dangerous as he grew older. Prosecutor Heather Stangoe emphasized the gravity of his crimes, describing him as a persistent sexual offender whose offenses had become more severe over time.

The investigation into Leigh’s activities uncovered alarming evidence of his violent fantasies. During the police inquiry, a report emerged from a girl he had messaged, in which she claimed Leigh expressed a desire to become a serial killer. Additionally, Leigh had posted tweets indicating a fascination with killing, further underscoring his dangerous mindset.

Judge David Rennie addressed Leigh directly during sentencing, revealing that psychiatric assessments had identified psychopathic traits. The judge detailed the disturbing contents of the folder police found, which related to the 'Red Ribbon Killer' persona. The folder contained photographs of Leigh adopting this persona, studies of serial killers from around the world, expressions of hatred directed at certain individuals, taunts aimed at law enforcement for not catching the killer sooner, a detailed map of the area where Leigh intended to operate, and a list of approximately 30 potential victims.

As part of his sentence, Leigh was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was issued a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This order restricts his access to computers and limits his contact with children under the age of 16, aiming to prevent any further harm and protect the community from his dangerous tendencies.