LESLEY MABER FROM LAWRENCE WESTON SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN BRISTOL

In September 2014, Leslie Maber, a 72-year-old resident of Mancroft Avenue in Lawrence Weston, was sentenced to a decade behind bars following his conviction for multiple counts of sexual assault against two women. The case, which garnered significant media attention, was rooted in the courage of the victims who came forward to reveal decades-old abuse, ultimately leading to Maber's conviction at Bristol Crown Court.

During the trial, it was revealed that the first complainant, a woman who had endured Maber’s abuse in the 1950s, detailed a harrowing account of her experiences. She described how, as a child, Maber stripped naked and exposed himself to her, instructing her about male anatomy. She recounted how he forced her to touch him intimately and subjected her to sexual acts, including kissing her with his tongue, which she found deeply distressing. The woman also recalled an incident where she believed Maber was about to rape her but was fortunate enough to escape the situation. She described the ordeal as “really horrible” and expressed her feelings of cruelty and fear at the time.

In a recorded police interview, she further explained that Maber had threatened her by saying that if she ever told anyone about what had happened, he would “jump off the bridge.” Her testimony was instrumental in the case, and the jury, composed of seven men and five women, found Maber guilty of four counts of indecent assault against her. The court heard that these assaults took place during the 1950s.

Following her testimony, investigators uncovered a second victim who also accused Maber of abuse. This second woman claimed that Maber groped her and involved her in sexual acts, but she had kept silent for many years, fearing she would not receive support if she reported the incidents. It was only after the first woman’s courage in speaking out that she decided to come forward. Maber, however, denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he had not abused either woman.

Judge Martin Picton addressed the court, acknowledging the importance of the victims’ bravery. He stated, “Publicity prompted (the first complainant) to contact the police and she finally believed that perhaps she, herself, would be believed. The victims are to be commended for having the courage to come forward. They gave hugely impressive evidence, and it can only be hoped the conclusion provides them with some comfort.”

As part of his sentence, Maber was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was prohibited from working with vulnerable adults and children indefinitely. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society from such predatory behavior.