ESCAPED PRISONER LEE CYRUS SENTENCED FOR VIOLENT AND SEXUAL OFFENCES
Lee Cyrus, also known by the alias Ivan Leach, was identified as a dangerous offender responsible for a series of violent and sexual crimes following his escape from an open prison in Boston, Lincolnshire, in October 2012 during a day release.His criminal activities encompassed indecent exposure, grievous bodily harm, burglaries, robberies, and sexual offences.
Acting Detective Superintendent Raffaele D'Orsi characterized Cyrus as a 'forensically aware predator' who specifically targeted isolated and vulnerable women, often employing extreme and unnecessary violence.
An investigation by the police found that Cyrus's victims were women encountered in outdoor locations and private residences, usually threatened with a knife and wearing a balaclava.
His offences included an incident outside Boston cemetery involving indecent exposure and acts of desecration, as well as similar crimes committed in Hampstead Heath, which involved exposure and rape threats.
His criminal conduct grew increasingly severe, with brutal assaults including robberies at knifepoint and aggravated burglaries.
He was eventually captured when a member of the public recognized his image from a leaflet and reported him to authorities, leading to his arrest in Camden, North London.
Cyrus, also known as Ivan Leach, was sentenced to multiple terms of imprisonment, including life imprisonment for grievous bodily harm, along with sentences for aggravated burglary and robbery to run concurrently.
He also received two years for indecent exposure and burglary.
Evidence collected from CCTV footage, mobile devices, clothing, and eyewitness testimonies played a vital role in the case.
The authorities commended the victims for their courage, and emphasized the intricacies involved in the investigation and prosecution process.
