TEVIN MCLEOD, PILOT ARRESTED IN MANCHESTER, JAILED FOR CHILD RAPE
Tevin McLeod, a pilot, was detained upon landing at Manchester Airport on Saturday, September 7, after police arrested him.The following day, the 28-year-old was formally charged with the rape and sexual assault of a child under the age of 13.
A mugshot released by West Midlands Police shows McLeod still dressed in his pilot's uniform.
Authorities stated that he initially denied the allegations, but during a court hearing at Birmingham Crown Court, it was revealed that he had sent messages to the victim admitting to the abuse in an apparent attempt to prevent her from reporting the crimes.
In these messages, McLeod discussed the potential damage to his reputation if his actions were exposed, which he feared would happen between 2015 and 2016.
He also warned the girl that if she told anyone, he would lose his career as a pilot and face imprisonment because she was underage.
McLeod, who has no fixed address, later admitted to the offenses of rape and sexual assault.
He was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison on Friday, November 8, and will be subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order upon release.
Det Const Stewart Garratt from West Midlands Police's Birmingham Child Abuse Public Protection Team praised the bravery of the victim, stating, "For a child to speak out and report sexual abuse is a huge deal for them, and I commend the bravery of this young girl for confiding in someone." He added, "It’s thanks to these kinds of crimes that we have a dedicated specialist department with officers specially trained to support young victims through the judicial process.
I have no doubt that the courage of this child has prevented other children from becoming targets."
