JOE LEACH FROM HIGHBRIDGE ADMITS TO SEX OFFENCES AGAINST BOYS IN SOMERSET
| Red Rose Database
Highbridge Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the community of Highbridge and the wider Somerset area, Joe Leach, a former local councillor, has admitted to serious sexual offences involving two teenage boys. The revelations emerged during court proceedings at Taunton Crown Court, where Leach, aged 27 at the time, faced multiple charges related to his misconduct.
Leach's criminal activities primarily took place between April 2011 and August 2012, during which he engaged in disturbing behavior that included taking indecent images of minors and sexually assaulting one of the boys while they were asleep in his flat. The case came to light when another boy, who had access to Leach’s computer, discovered evidence that led to the investigation. This discovery prompted authorities to scrutinize Leach’s actions, revealing a pattern of grooming and exploitation.
The court was informed that Leach’s offences involved two teenage boys, with the incidents occurring in his residence in Highbridge. The judge at the hearing noted that there was a degree of grooming involved, but emphasized that an immediate custodial sentence would not serve the interests of justice at that point. Instead, the court opted for a community-based sentence, which includes supervision for a period of three years, and allows police access to Leach’s electronic devices, including his camera, for up to five years. Additionally, Leach was ordered to register as a sex offender, a standard procedure in cases of this nature.
Leach’s background includes his role as a Liberal Democrat councillor representing Sedgemoor District Council. He resigned from his position in December 2012, citing a career change as the reason for stepping down. His political career was marred by these allegations, which have now culminated in a criminal conviction.
In a separate hearing in July 2014, Leach, then 26 years old and residing on Clyce Road, Highbridge, pleaded guilty to seven counts of taking indecent images of children. These charges also spanned from April 2011 to August 2012. Although he faced a total of 12 charges, he denied one count of sexual assault and four additional counts related to indecent photographs of a third boy, who was not involved in the admitted offences.
During the court appearance, Leach appeared dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and a gold tie. He spoke only to confirm his identity and to enter his pleas. He was warned that he could face imprisonment, and after the hearing, he described his actions as a “stupid mistake,” asserting that he would not repeat them but acknowledged that he would have to face the consequences of his actions.
The prosecution now has a week to decide whether to accept Leach’s guilty pleas or to proceed with a trial on the five charges he denied. Judge David Ticehurst ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared, emphasizing that all sentencing options, including immediate imprisonment, remain open. Leach was released on bail until July 31 and was required to sign the sex offenders’ register before leaving court, marking a significant development in a case that has garnered considerable attention in the Somerset community.
Leach's criminal activities primarily took place between April 2011 and August 2012, during which he engaged in disturbing behavior that included taking indecent images of minors and sexually assaulting one of the boys while they were asleep in his flat. The case came to light when another boy, who had access to Leach’s computer, discovered evidence that led to the investigation. This discovery prompted authorities to scrutinize Leach’s actions, revealing a pattern of grooming and exploitation.
The court was informed that Leach’s offences involved two teenage boys, with the incidents occurring in his residence in Highbridge. The judge at the hearing noted that there was a degree of grooming involved, but emphasized that an immediate custodial sentence would not serve the interests of justice at that point. Instead, the court opted for a community-based sentence, which includes supervision for a period of three years, and allows police access to Leach’s electronic devices, including his camera, for up to five years. Additionally, Leach was ordered to register as a sex offender, a standard procedure in cases of this nature.
Leach’s background includes his role as a Liberal Democrat councillor representing Sedgemoor District Council. He resigned from his position in December 2012, citing a career change as the reason for stepping down. His political career was marred by these allegations, which have now culminated in a criminal conviction.
In a separate hearing in July 2014, Leach, then 26 years old and residing on Clyce Road, Highbridge, pleaded guilty to seven counts of taking indecent images of children. These charges also spanned from April 2011 to August 2012. Although he faced a total of 12 charges, he denied one count of sexual assault and four additional counts related to indecent photographs of a third boy, who was not involved in the admitted offences.
During the court appearance, Leach appeared dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and a gold tie. He spoke only to confirm his identity and to enter his pleas. He was warned that he could face imprisonment, and after the hearing, he described his actions as a “stupid mistake,” asserting that he would not repeat them but acknowledged that he would have to face the consequences of his actions.
The prosecution now has a week to decide whether to accept Leach’s guilty pleas or to proceed with a trial on the five charges he denied. Judge David Ticehurst ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared, emphasizing that all sentencing options, including immediate imprisonment, remain open. Leach was released on bail until July 31 and was required to sign the sex offenders’ register before leaving court, marking a significant development in a case that has garnered considerable attention in the Somerset community.