LESLEY HARRISON FROM WELSHPOOL AND RHYL SENTENCED FOR REPEATED CHILD ABUSE IN NORTH WALES

In October 2004, Leslie Harrison, a 35-year-old man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, was sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of a serious assault on a young boy. Harrison, who had been released on early parole, committed the assault in the toilets of a McDonald's restaurant located in Rhyl, North Wales. The incident involved Harrison helping the boy, who was only eight years old, dry his hands when he suddenly attacked him.

The young victim's mother expressed her anguish and outrage following the conviction, stating, "It is unbearable Harrison was ever released. It should never have happened." The boy was forced to relive the traumatic event during the court proceedings via a video link, as he was too distressed to appear in person.

Harrison denied the charges of sexual assault, which added to the emotional toll on the young boy, who had to recount his ordeal in court. The jury at Chester Crown Court deliberated briefly, reaching a verdict of guilty in just one hour.

Judge John Rogers, presiding over the case, addressed Harrison directly, emphasizing the danger he posed to children. He stated, "You are a considerable threat to young people." Harrison's criminal history is extensive and disturbing. Seventeen years prior, he was placed on probation after abusing a four-year-old boy. His criminal record further includes a five-year sentence in 1993 for assaulting a six-year-old boy, and a six-year sentence in 1998 for molesting a girl.

Harrison's repeated offenses highlight a pattern of predatory behavior, and his recent conviction underscores the ongoing concern about his threat to the community. The case has sparked outrage among local residents and advocates for child protection, who argue that Harrison's early release was a grave mistake given his history of offending.