LESLEY WATKINS ARGOED PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS IN GWENT AND BLACKWOOD

In a case that has shocked the community of Argoed and the surrounding areas, Leslie Watkins, a 49-year-old man from Penylan Road, Argoed, was subjected to a lengthy and complex legal process following his involvement in a series of heinous crimes. His actions, which included a disturbing campaign of sexual abuse against two young children, culminated in a dramatic armed siege that drew police from across the region and ended with Watkins himself injured after firing a nail gun at officers.

The case first came to light in January 2014, when Watkins was brought before Newport Crown Court to face multiple serious charges. The court heard that Watkins had committed a series of sexual offenses against a girl under the age of 12 and a boy under the age of seven. These offenses included four counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape against the girl, as well as two counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault against the boy. The court was also informed of Watkins’ violent confrontation with police officers during his arrest, which involved him threatening them with an industrial nail gun.

Watkins’ criminal activities spanned several years, with police arresting him on January 6, 2011. Despite initially denying any involvement in the sexual offenses, Watkins was eventually convicted after a jury trial in October 2012. The evidence presented included a medical examination of the young boy, which raised concerns about sexual abuse, and the victim’s own confessions, in which he described Watkins playing loud music to drown out his cries. The second victim, who had previously confided in a trusted adult about his abuse, also provided testimony that supported the allegations.

The situation escalated dramatically in December 2012, when police officers attempted to apprehend Watkins at a property in Argoed. They found him barricaded inside an upstairs bedroom, and when an officer tried to open the door, Watkins shouted threats and fired a nail gun through the door, leaving a six-inch nail protruding at head height. This act of violence prompted a firearms unit to be called to the scene. Over the course of a tense ten-hour siege, police negotiators tried to persuade Watkins to surrender. Despite their efforts, Watkins continued to threaten harm to himself and others, ultimately shooting himself in the chest with the nail gun.

Following his arrest, Watkins was charged with attempted wounding, assault with intent to resist arrest, and the sexual offenses against the children. He pleaded guilty to these charges on the day his trial was scheduled to begin. During the proceedings, his defense lawyers argued that Watkins had a history of witnessing sexual abuse at a young age, suffered from depression, and had made multiple suicide attempts. Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Philip Richards sentenced Watkins to 30 years in prison, with the stipulation that he must serve at least half of that sentence before being eligible for parole. Additionally, Watkins will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.

In a statement reflecting the severity of the case, Detective Sergeant Ginny Davies described Watkins as a “dangerous and prolific offender” whose actions inflicted profound emotional and psychological trauma on his victims. She praised their bravery in coming forward and providing evidence that helped secure his conviction. The court’s decision underscored the depravity of Watkins’ conduct and the lasting impact on those affected by his crimes, highlighting the importance of justice for the victims and the community of Argoed.