SIMON LEDDINGTON CAUGHT IN MONMOUTH: SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR ONLINE PREDATION

In November 2021, a disturbing case involving a local sex offender from Monmouth culminated in a court sentencing that underscores the severity of online predatory behavior. Simon Leddington, a resident of Monmouth, was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and illegal communications with what he believed was a young girl online.

According to court records, Leddington had sent multiple sexually explicit messages to an individual he thought was a minor. However, the person on the other end of the conversation was not a young girl at all but an adult member of a paedophile hunting team, who had set up the online profile to catch offenders like him.

The court heard that Leddington’s actions were deliberate and predatory, aimed at exploiting what he believed to be a vulnerable minor. His interactions raised serious concerns about online safety and the protection of children from sexual exploitation.

As a result of his conviction, Leddington was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison. The sentence includes a four-year period on licence, meaning he will be under supervision after his release. Additionally, he has been placed on the sex offenders register for life, a measure that ensures ongoing monitoring and restrictions.

Furthermore, Leddington has been issued a lifetime ban from working with children, reflecting the court’s determination to prevent any future risk to minors. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and community groups to combat online sexual predation and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.