LEONARD GABBITAS FROM SCOLE SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN NORWICH

In August 2017, a man from Scole, Norfolk, identified as Leonard Gabbitas, was handed a life sentence after being convicted of a series of heinous child sex offences. The 51-year-old, formerly residing on Bungay Road in Scole near Diss, was found guilty of a disturbing pattern of abuse involving five young victims, spanning from the late 1980s into the early 1990s.

During the proceedings at Norwich Crown Court, it was revealed that Gabbitas had subjected some of his victims to a traumatic experience where they were shown pornographic images before he proceeded to sexually assault them. The court also heard that Gabbitas took explicit photographs of himself raping one of the children, capturing the assault on his mobile phone. These revelations underscored the calculated and malicious nature of his crimes.

Prosecutor William Carter explained that Gabbitas, who was known to have an interest in the occult, was arrested in February of the same year. Following his arrest, he admitted to the sexual offences committed against the children. It was also disclosed that Gabbitas had prior convictions, including one for possessing extreme pornography and another for attempted robbery, indicating a troubling criminal history.

Victims who provided impact statements described the profound and lasting damage inflicted by Gabbitas. One survivor described him as “pure evil,” emphasizing that his abuse had stolen her childhood innocence. She stated, “My innocence was stolen from me,” highlighting the deep emotional scars left behind. Another victim echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging that although she was robbed of her childhood, she had managed to survive and move forward despite the trauma.

Judge Maureen Bacon, presiding over the case, sentenced Gabbitas to life imprisonment, citing the high risk he posed to children and the exceptional severity of his crimes. The judge described his actions as a “campaign” of sexual abuse that had marred the lives of his victims. She ordered that Gabbitas serve a minimum of eight years before being eligible for parole and mandated that he be placed on the sex offenders register for life.

During the sentencing hearing, Gabbitas appeared via video link from Norwich prison. His defense lawyer, Joanne Eley, acknowledged his guilty plea, stating that it spared his victims the ordeal of testifying in court. She also noted that Gabbitas showed some remorse, expressing regret for his past behavior and apologizing for his actions. Eley mentioned that Gabbitas suffers from mental health issues and wished to convey his apologies, emphasizing that he is deeply ashamed of his conduct.

Overall, the case has left a lasting impact on the community of Scole and the victims involved, highlighting the importance of justice and the protection of children from predatory individuals like Leonard Gabbitas.