LEONARD AYRES POOLE SEX OFFENDER TO BE HELD INDEFINITELY AFTER CHILD SEXUAL ACTS

In a significant legal development, Leonard Ayres, a known psychiatric patient from Poole, has been ordered to be detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act following his conviction for engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The case, which drew considerable attention, revealed that Ayres committed this offense on one of 19 occasions when he managed to escape from St Ann's Hospital in Poole, raising serious concerns about public safety and the adequacy of supervision.

According to court proceedings at Bournemouth Crown Court, the 37-year-old offender has a troubling criminal history that spans over a decade. He has accumulated 28 previous convictions, encompassing a total of 73 separate offenses. These past crimes include acts of violence, burglary, and indecent exposure, painting a picture of a repeat offender with a pattern of risky and dangerous behavior.

The recent conviction pertains to an incident that occurred on April 18 of the previous year, involving a 14-year-old girl. During the trial held in December, Ayres was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 16. Despite his claims that he believed the girl was 16, the judge, Honorable Judge John Harrow, dismissed this assertion, stating, “In my judgement you were aware that your victim was under 16.”

The court was informed that Ayres had been residing at St Ann’s Hospital for the past 14 months, where he was under psychiatric care. A consultant psychiatrist, Dr. David Scull, provided a stark assessment of Ayres’ mental state, describing him as “reckless” and noting that “things just happen around him because he does not think of the consequences of his actions.” When questioned by the judge about whether Ayres posed a serious threat to others, Dr. Scull confirmed, “Yes, there is no doubt about that.”

During sentencing, Judge Harrow emphasized the danger Ayres posed to the community. He pointed out that Ayres’ previous conduct indicated a high likelihood of resorting to alcohol and illicit drugs, which could lead to unpredictable and potentially harmful behavior. As a result, the judge ordered a hospital detention under section 37 of the Mental Health Act, coupled with a restriction order under section 41, to ensure public safety.

Furthermore, Ayres was prohibited from working with individuals under the age of 18 indefinitely. He was also subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which restricts him from being in the company of any female under 16 unless accompanied by another adult. Notably, his immediate family members were excluded from this order, possibly to prevent undue hardship or for other legal reasons. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case, aiming to prevent any future harm from the convicted offender from Poole.