LEIGH THOMPSON FROM KIDLINGTON SENTENCED AFTER ONLINE SEXUAL PREDATION IN THAMES VALLEY

In March 2021, Leigh Thompson, a former police officer from Kidlington, was brought to justice following a disturbing series of online predatory actions targeting what he believed was a 13-year-old girl. Thompson, aged 62, was convicted of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor through social media and was subsequently sentenced to a substantial prison term.

Thompson initiated contact on April 9, during the height of the first COVID-19 lockdown, using the pseudonym ‘AnOxfordMan’ on Kik, a popular social media platform. He claimed to be feeling lonely and bored, which he cited as the reasons for reaching out to the supposed teenager, who he called ‘Hannah’. The conversation began with Thompson sending a message that read ‘hello sexy’ and inquiring whether ‘Hannah’ had Kik, indicating his intent to pursue further communication.

Despite ‘Hannah’ repeatedly asserting her age as just 13, Thompson showed no concern or hesitation. Instead, he demanded explicit photographs of her topless and inquired whether she was a virgin. His inappropriate and predatory behavior escalated as he made references to his own sexual arousal, even sending a video depicting a couple engaged in sexual activity on a treadmill. Thompson’s messages included questions about her plans after lockdown, to which ‘Hannah’ responded ‘McDonald’s’. Thompson shockingly replied ‘sex’, revealing his true intentions.

Unbeknownst to Thompson, ‘Hannah’ was not a teenage girl but an undercover police officer from Thames Valley Police, operating under a false identity to entrap him. The police had set a trap, and Thompson’s actions ultimately led to his arrest on May 18. During questioning, he chose to remain silent, replying ‘no comment’ to all inquiries from investigators.

Thompson appeared before Oxford Crown Court, dressed in a blue suit with a striped shirt, to face the charges. His defense argued that his online interactions were a coping mechanism during the lockdown period, and he was currently receiving a pension of approximately £2,000 per month. Despite this, the court found his actions to be serious and predatory.

Judge Maria Lamb acknowledged Thompson’s previously good character and expressed that he had shown remorse. She noted that while reports indicated his actions stemmed from loneliness and boredom, many others experienced similar feelings during lockdown without engaging in criminal behavior. The judge emphasized that Thompson’s conduct was driven by sexual gratification.

Thompson had previously admitted to three charges at Oxford Magistrates’ Court. The court sentenced him to nine months for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, six months for attempting to cause a child to view sexual images, and 14 months for attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. All sentences are to be served concurrently, meaning simultaneously, resulting in a total of 14 months behind bars.

Despite pleas from his legal counsel for a suspended sentence, Judge Lamb deemed it inappropriate and ordered Thompson to serve the full term. Additionally, she mandated that he pay a fine of £425 plus a victim surcharge. Thompson will also be registered as a sex offender for the next ten years, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the court’s commitment to public safety.