JOHN LEACH SENTENCED FOR ABUSING THREE SISTERS IN UPPER COLWYN BAY AND ABERGELE
| Red Rose Database
Upper Colwyn Bay Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of North Wales, John Leach, a 64-year-old man from Cherry Tree Close, Upper Colwyn Bay, was sentenced to three years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against three young sisters. The crimes took place over a span of two years, from 2004 to 2006, in the towns of Abergele and Sussex, and only came to light after the eldest sister confided in her parents about the abuse.
Leach was found guilty by a jury at Hove Crown Court of a total of ten charges, which included seven counts of sexual assault, two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, and one count of exposing himself. The court heard that the abuse occurred when the girls were between the ages of nine and 13, with Leach exploiting his position of trust to carry out these acts.
Following the verdict, Judge David Rennie ordered Leach to serve an additional 18 months on a sex offenders' license after his release from prison. This measure is intended to monitor and restrict his movements and interactions to prevent further harm.
Relatives of the victims expressed relief and support for the sentence. One family member, who requested anonymity, stated, “He was placed in a position of trust and he abused that. When he was one-to-one or alone with the girls, he would touch them. The eldest girl came forward and revealed what was happening, and when the other girls were questioned, the truth emerged.” The relative also noted that the eldest sister had begun exhibiting behavioral problems, which, in hindsight, were warning signs of the abuse she endured at home and at school.
The bravery of the young victims was commended, especially considering they provided their testimonies via video link, a process that was undoubtedly traumatic but crucial in securing justice. Detective Constable Chris Menson expressed satisfaction with the outcome, praising the girls for their courage and resilience during the proceedings. “We are very pleased with the sentence. The girls did really well giving their evidence. They were put through a traumatic experience,” he said.
Leach, who originally hails from the northeast of England and previously worked in personnel at East Sussex Council, was arrested and charged following a five-day trial at Hove Crown Court last month. His prior reputation within the community was one of trust; relatives described him as “the most plausible man you could meet,” which made the betrayal even more devastating. One relative remarked, “After this, I don’t trust anybody.”
In addition to his prison sentence, Leach was subjected to a series of strict conditions designed to prevent any further offenses. He was issued a sexual offenders prevention order that prohibits him from communicating directly or indirectly with females under 16, from residing or staying temporarily or permanently in any residence with a girl under 16, or inviting any young girl into his home. He is also barred from working with or volunteering to work with young girls and must maintain a distance of at least 30 meters from places such as schools, youth clubs, or scout groups. Furthermore, he is required to sign the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and whereabouts.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for communities to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse. The justice system’s response aims to serve as a warning to others and to provide some measure of closure for the victims and their families.
Leach was found guilty by a jury at Hove Crown Court of a total of ten charges, which included seven counts of sexual assault, two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, and one count of exposing himself. The court heard that the abuse occurred when the girls were between the ages of nine and 13, with Leach exploiting his position of trust to carry out these acts.
Following the verdict, Judge David Rennie ordered Leach to serve an additional 18 months on a sex offenders' license after his release from prison. This measure is intended to monitor and restrict his movements and interactions to prevent further harm.
Relatives of the victims expressed relief and support for the sentence. One family member, who requested anonymity, stated, “He was placed in a position of trust and he abused that. When he was one-to-one or alone with the girls, he would touch them. The eldest girl came forward and revealed what was happening, and when the other girls were questioned, the truth emerged.” The relative also noted that the eldest sister had begun exhibiting behavioral problems, which, in hindsight, were warning signs of the abuse she endured at home and at school.
The bravery of the young victims was commended, especially considering they provided their testimonies via video link, a process that was undoubtedly traumatic but crucial in securing justice. Detective Constable Chris Menson expressed satisfaction with the outcome, praising the girls for their courage and resilience during the proceedings. “We are very pleased with the sentence. The girls did really well giving their evidence. They were put through a traumatic experience,” he said.
Leach, who originally hails from the northeast of England and previously worked in personnel at East Sussex Council, was arrested and charged following a five-day trial at Hove Crown Court last month. His prior reputation within the community was one of trust; relatives described him as “the most plausible man you could meet,” which made the betrayal even more devastating. One relative remarked, “After this, I don’t trust anybody.”
In addition to his prison sentence, Leach was subjected to a series of strict conditions designed to prevent any further offenses. He was issued a sexual offenders prevention order that prohibits him from communicating directly or indirectly with females under 16, from residing or staying temporarily or permanently in any residence with a girl under 16, or inviting any young girl into his home. He is also barred from working with or volunteering to work with young girls and must maintain a distance of at least 30 meters from places such as schools, youth clubs, or scout groups. Furthermore, he is required to sign the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and whereabouts.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for communities to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse. The justice system’s response aims to serve as a warning to others and to provide some measure of closure for the victims and their families.