JOHN LEATHER'S SHOCKING ESCAPE FROM BROADMOOR IN CARLISLE SPARKS OUTRAGE AND FEARS

In a series of disturbing events, John Leather, a convicted paedophile with a notorious history, has once again made headlines due to his controversial movements and treatment while incarcerated. Leather, aged 47, was held at the high-security Broadmoor hospital in Berkshire, but recent revelations have uncovered a series of incidents that have caused public outrage and concern over security and ethical standards.

According to reports, Leather was provided with explicit gay pornography by medical professionals at Broadmoor as a means to keep him calm during his stay. The material included images of naked and aroused men, which was intended to serve as a form of psychological management. However, this decision has sparked significant controversy, especially among fellow inmates and the wider public. The pornographic calendar was said to have incited jealousy among other prisoners, leading to a violent altercation in which Leather was stabbed by another inmate. The incident underscores the potential dangers of such leniency and raises questions about the appropriateness of the treatment Leather received.

A source close to the situation told The Sun that Leather, who was previously imprisoned for abducting a 15-year-old boy and had served time for 13 child assault convictions, believed he was entitled to special privileges due to his sexuality. The source claimed, “Leather claimed because of his sexuality he should be able to have gay porn. He was given the go-ahead to have 24 pictures.” The source further criticized the decision, stating, “It is outrageous a paedophile has been given special treatment over other patients.”

In response to the controversy, a Broadmoor spokesperson stated, “We will be looking into this matter,” indicating that an internal review was underway. Meanwhile, a Home Office representative clarified the policy regarding contraband materials, saying, “Only pornography found in everyday shops can be sent in, no hardcore porn is allowed, but it is always at the discretion of the governor.”

Adding to the controversy, Leather’s recent visit to Carlisle for his father’s funeral has raised further questions about security and oversight. In December 2005, Leather, who is believed to have abused hundreds of children, was allowed to attend his father’s funeral at Carlisle crematorium without police or security knowing about his presence. The two-day visit was conducted without restraint, despite Leather’s dangerous history. He arrived in Carlisle on Thursday night and stayed overnight at a secure unit before attending the funeral service on Dalston Road on Friday. The total cost of the visit to taxpayers was estimated at around £1,000.

North Cumbria police, including Chief Inspector Mark Graham, stated they had no knowledge of Leather’s visit, and the local Child and Adult Protection Unit, responsible for monitoring individuals like Leather, was also not informed. The Broadmoor spokesperson explained that Leather was not cuffed during the visit but was under constant supervision, which they claimed was standard procedure for patients granted compassionate leave. They cited previous similar cases, such as Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, who was allowed to visit Cumbria to see his father’s ashes but remained cuffed to a nurse at all times.

Critics, including Hugh McKinney of the National Family Campaign, have condemned the decision to allow Leather out of secure detention. McKinney remarked, “It’s outrageous he was even allowed out. But to see him at large without handcuffs on will send a chill down every parent’s spine.” The incident has ignited a debate about the safety protocols surrounding high-risk offenders and the adequacy of current security measures in place to prevent such breaches and protect the community.