LEON SYMONDS, THE PREDATOR PAEDOPHILE FROM AYLESBY, SENTENCED IN GRIMSBY COURT

In January 2016, a disturbing case unfolded at Grimsby Crown Court involving Leon Symonds, a 41-year-old man from Macaulay Cottages, Aylesby, near Grimsby. Symonds was found guilty of multiple heinous offences related to his predatory behavior towards young girls, which have left lasting scars on his victims and prompted a severe legal response.

Symonds was convicted of indecent assault, causing a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, and failing to comply with his duty to register as a sex offender. The court heard that his actions were grotesque and of the utmost gravity, highlighting the severity of his crimes. Prosecutor Craig Lowe detailed that Symonds had inappropriately touched a young girl while she was sleeping. The incident occurred after the girl and Symonds had attended a pop concert in Cleethorpes, and she had stayed with him afterward. The young girl was left terrified and distressed, telling Symonds to leave her alone. In her victim impact statement, she expressed feelings of worthlessness and betrayal, revealing how deeply her life had been affected by Symonds' actions.

Further disturbing details emerged during the trial, including an incident where Symonds attempted to coerce another young girl into sexual activity. He threatened to hit her if she refused to comply, demonstrating a pattern of predatory and coercive behavior. It was also revealed that Symonds had previously served a prison sentence of two years and three months in August 2012 for sexually assaulting a child. Despite being ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years, he failed to do so on March 11, when he did not attend the police station to update his registration details.

During mitigation, Charlotte Baines explained that Symonds initially blamed drug use for his offending but acknowledged the profound impact his actions had on his victims. The court clarified that there was no physical contact or attempt to touch the girl involved in the sexual activity, but the incitement and coercion were deemed extremely serious.

Judge Peter Kelson QC delivered a stern judgment, emphasizing the gravity of Symonds' crimes. He stated, “You are a paedophile and the sooner you realize this in yourself, the better.” The judge condemned Symonds for having “devastated” the life of the girl he indecently assaulted and cursed her with his behavior. He described the incitement to sexual activity as “grotesque” and of “the utmost gravity,” labeling Symonds a “predator paedophile.”

Judge Kelson further warned Symonds to acknowledge his paedophile tendencies, declaring him a dangerous offender. As part of his sentence, Symonds was handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and mandated to register as a sex offender for life. Symonds, who was previously residing on Leggott Way, Stallingborough, now faces a lifetime of legal restrictions and the ongoing consequences of his actions.