REECE APPLEBY CHILD RAPIST FROM LEYTONSTONE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ATTACKS IN FOREST GATE AND WORSLEY ROAD

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Leytonstone and surrounding areas, Reece Appleby has been sentenced to a lengthy and indefinite prison term after admitting to multiple heinous sexual offenses involving minors.

Appleby, a 21-year-old resident of Ramsay Road in Leytonstone, was found guilty of attacking a 12-year-old girl in Worsley Road, Leytonstone, on December 8 of the previous year. The assault took place just a few yards from his own home, as the young girl was on her way to school. According to court reports, Appleby followed the girl as she walked along the street, eventually cornering her against a wall. He then dragged her into a nearby front garden where he committed the rape.

The court was told that after the assault, Appleby remained in the vicinity and was seen chatting with the girl, who was visibly traumatised by the incident. His behavior drew the attention of patrolling police officers, who approached him. In a swift response, Appleby mounted his bicycle and rode away from the scene before he could be detained.

The victim confided in a friend about the attack, which led to Appleby’s immediate arrest on the same day. He faced multiple charges, including two counts of rape, kidnap, and attempted rape. It was revealed that months prior to this incident, Appleby had been released on bail following allegations that he had raped a 16-year-old girl in Forest Gate. Despite initially denying the allegations during police interviews, he later pleaded guilty to all charges.

Psychiatric assessments conducted during the trial indicated that Appleby does not suffer from a personality disorder. However, the reports highlighted that he exhibits “maladaptive personality traits which are narcissistic and antisocial in nature.” Furthermore, it was disclosed that he harbors “deviant sexual fantasies about children and coercion,” raising serious concerns about his potential threat to the public.

During the court proceedings, Angharad Mosely, representing Appleby, stated that her client felt “deep remorse” for his actions. She also mentioned that Appleby had experienced violence as a young child at the hands of his carers, which may have contributed to his psychological state.

Victims and their families provided emotional testimonies during the sentencing. The 12-year-old girl expressed her ongoing struggles, revealing that she no longer feels comfortable talking to her family or friends and that her thoughts about the attack are “constantly” on her mind, even affecting her sleep. She added, “I can’t ever go out by myself again. I’m not sure how I feel about it but I think I am a bit depressed.” Her mother shared her pain, stating, “We as a family will never be able to forget what has happened. We have lots of happy memories, but this evil thing will always be there in our thoughts.”

Judge John Lafferty addressed Appleby directly, emphasizing the danger he poses to society. He described Appleby’s actions as indicative of a “high risk” to the public, noting that when his sexual instincts are aroused, he acts without regard for the potential harm to his victims. The judge stated, “It appears to me that, when your sexual instincts are aroused, you satisfy them regardless of the potential damage to the victim. You pose a significant risk and, I would say a high risk, of causing significant injury to members of the public and this is because, when your sexual interest is attracted, you immediately seek to gratify it.”

Consequently, Judge Lafferty sentenced Appleby to an indeterminate sentence for public protection, with a minimum term of five and a half years. Additionally, he ordered Appleby to register as a sex offender for life and imposed a sexual offences prevention order that prohibits him from working with children under the age of 16. The court’s decision underscores the serious concern about Appleby’s potential to reoffend and the need to safeguard the community from further harm.