LEON RIDGEWAY SHOCKS LEIGH WITH SEXUAL OFFENSES AT WIGAN HOSPITAL
| Red Rose Database
Leigh Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Leigh community, Leon Ridgeway, a 29-year-old man from Glebe Street, Leigh, was found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses committed within the premises of the Wigan Royal Albert and Edward Infirmary. The incidents, which took place in May 2015, involved the attempted molestation of a vulnerable teenage girl while she was hospitalized, as well as the possession of indecent photographs of another sleeping minor.
According to court proceedings, Ridgeway, dressed in a Superman onesie at the time, conducted online research into 'sleep assault' while at the hospital. This disturbing behavior was revealed during the trial, where expert evidence demonstrated that he had searched for terms like ‘sleep assault’ and ‘night time assault’ on the internet during his stay. The court heard that on the night of May 1, 2015, Ridgeway was present at the hospital while his young step-child was being treated. The same ward housed a 14-year-old girl suffering from an eating disorder, who became the target of Ridgeway’s predatory behavior.
Prosecutor Sarah Holt explained that during the night, Ridgeway repeatedly peered through the curtains surrounding the girl’s bed, seemingly observing her while she slept. He also searched online for terms related to sleep assaults, indicating premeditation. At one point, Ridgeway entered her cubicle and lifted the blanket covering her stomach, believing she was asleep. However, when she opened her eyes, he quickly left the scene. The frightened girl, sensing something was wrong, sent a Facebook message to a friend seeking help. The friend advised her to write a note for hospital staff, which she did on a paper towel and handed to a nurse. The nurse recognized the situation and the girl’s distress, leading to the involvement of social services and law enforcement authorities.
Subsequently, Ridgeway’s mobile phone was confiscated and examined. The investigation uncovered that he had conducted eight separate internet searches related to ‘sleep assault’ and ‘sister sleep assault.’ Additionally, the phone contained four photographs of a 15-year-old girl who was asleep, with her underwear moved to expose her bra and pubic area in two of the images. Ridgeway initially claimed that someone else must have used his phone to take the photographs, asserting he had never seen them before and was appalled by their content. He admitted to browsing pornography sites but denied any knowledge of the ‘sleep assault’ searches.
During the trial, Ridgeway faced charges of attempting to sexually assault the hospital patient, sexually assaulting the other girl, and taking indecent photographs of the minor. His pleas were initially not guilty, but after the presentation of expert evidence and the testimony of the young girl and a nurse, he changed his plea to guilty. The court was told that Ridgeway’s actions were highly troubling and unusual, reflecting a disturbing pattern of behavior.
Judge Clement Goldstone, the Recorder of Liverpool, addressed Ridgeway directly, stating, “The facts of this case make troubling and very unusual reading.” He emphasized that Ridgeway had struggled with serious sexual issues related to his attraction to young girls, which he had previously denied. The judge noted that Ridgeway only admitted guilt after expert evidence dismantled his defense, but expressed hope that this acknowledgment might mark the beginning of rehabilitation.
As part of his sentence, Ridgeway received a three-year community order, which was effectively suspended. He was ordered to attend a strict Northumbria Sex Offenders Group program and participate in 40 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was sentenced to 180 hours of unpaid work and placed under a six-month curfew from 7 am to 7 pm, monitored by an electronic tag. Ridgeway is also required to register as a sex offender for five years.
In a prior hearing in December 2015, Ridgeway had initially denied the charges but later changed his pleas to guilty during the trial, which was held at Liverpool Crown Court. The court had been told that Ridgeway, dressed in his Superman onesie, had repeatedly looked into the hospital ward where a 14-year-old girl was being treated for an eating disorder. His behavior included peering through curtains and searching online for ‘sleep assault,’ raising serious concerns about his intentions.
Judge Goldstone remanded Ridgeway on bail until January 11, with conditions including a curfew and electronic monitoring. The case has highlighted the vulnerabilities of young patients in hospital settings and the importance of vigilance against such predatory behavior. Ridgeway’s actions have left a lasting impact on the victims and the community, prompting calls for increased safeguards and awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to court proceedings, Ridgeway, dressed in a Superman onesie at the time, conducted online research into 'sleep assault' while at the hospital. This disturbing behavior was revealed during the trial, where expert evidence demonstrated that he had searched for terms like ‘sleep assault’ and ‘night time assault’ on the internet during his stay. The court heard that on the night of May 1, 2015, Ridgeway was present at the hospital while his young step-child was being treated. The same ward housed a 14-year-old girl suffering from an eating disorder, who became the target of Ridgeway’s predatory behavior.
Prosecutor Sarah Holt explained that during the night, Ridgeway repeatedly peered through the curtains surrounding the girl’s bed, seemingly observing her while she slept. He also searched online for terms related to sleep assaults, indicating premeditation. At one point, Ridgeway entered her cubicle and lifted the blanket covering her stomach, believing she was asleep. However, when she opened her eyes, he quickly left the scene. The frightened girl, sensing something was wrong, sent a Facebook message to a friend seeking help. The friend advised her to write a note for hospital staff, which she did on a paper towel and handed to a nurse. The nurse recognized the situation and the girl’s distress, leading to the involvement of social services and law enforcement authorities.
Subsequently, Ridgeway’s mobile phone was confiscated and examined. The investigation uncovered that he had conducted eight separate internet searches related to ‘sleep assault’ and ‘sister sleep assault.’ Additionally, the phone contained four photographs of a 15-year-old girl who was asleep, with her underwear moved to expose her bra and pubic area in two of the images. Ridgeway initially claimed that someone else must have used his phone to take the photographs, asserting he had never seen them before and was appalled by their content. He admitted to browsing pornography sites but denied any knowledge of the ‘sleep assault’ searches.
During the trial, Ridgeway faced charges of attempting to sexually assault the hospital patient, sexually assaulting the other girl, and taking indecent photographs of the minor. His pleas were initially not guilty, but after the presentation of expert evidence and the testimony of the young girl and a nurse, he changed his plea to guilty. The court was told that Ridgeway’s actions were highly troubling and unusual, reflecting a disturbing pattern of behavior.
Judge Clement Goldstone, the Recorder of Liverpool, addressed Ridgeway directly, stating, “The facts of this case make troubling and very unusual reading.” He emphasized that Ridgeway had struggled with serious sexual issues related to his attraction to young girls, which he had previously denied. The judge noted that Ridgeway only admitted guilt after expert evidence dismantled his defense, but expressed hope that this acknowledgment might mark the beginning of rehabilitation.
As part of his sentence, Ridgeway received a three-year community order, which was effectively suspended. He was ordered to attend a strict Northumbria Sex Offenders Group program and participate in 40 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was sentenced to 180 hours of unpaid work and placed under a six-month curfew from 7 am to 7 pm, monitored by an electronic tag. Ridgeway is also required to register as a sex offender for five years.
In a prior hearing in December 2015, Ridgeway had initially denied the charges but later changed his pleas to guilty during the trial, which was held at Liverpool Crown Court. The court had been told that Ridgeway, dressed in his Superman onesie, had repeatedly looked into the hospital ward where a 14-year-old girl was being treated for an eating disorder. His behavior included peering through curtains and searching online for ‘sleep assault,’ raising serious concerns about his intentions.
Judge Goldstone remanded Ridgeway on bail until January 11, with conditions including a curfew and electronic monitoring. The case has highlighted the vulnerabilities of young patients in hospital settings and the importance of vigilance against such predatory behavior. Ridgeway’s actions have left a lasting impact on the victims and the community, prompting calls for increased safeguards and awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future.