ST ALBANS MAN ANDREW LEEFARR SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE DOWNLOADS IN ST ALBANS

In a case that has shocked the community of St Albans, Andrew Leefarr, a 40-year-old resident of St Nicholas Close, was sentenced after admitting to the possession and download of indecent images of children. The incident came to light in February 2016, when police officers arrived at his shared accommodation early in the morning, specifically at 6:30 am, to conduct a search related to his online activities.

During questioning, Leefarr claimed that he had no sexual interest in children, asserting that his actions were driven by a desire to experience the thrill of doing something considered taboo, stating that he believed “if something is free, people will look at it.” Despite his claims of disgust towards the images, he acknowledged that he had viewed them, which raised serious concerns among the authorities.

The police investigation revealed that Leefarr had downloaded a significant number of illicit images—more than 2,000 files in total. These files were categorized into different levels of severity, with five classified as the most serious Category A, nine as Category B, and the remaining files falling into Category C, which is considered less severe. The police found that Leefarr had used the BitTorrent file-sharing platform, employing search terms that indicated an interest in child pornography, further implicating him in the illegal activity.

In addition to Leefarr, the police also interviewed the other three occupants of the residence. All three admitted to viewing adult pornography, but none of them reported using the BitTorrent service or possessing illegal images. The investigation focused primarily on Leefarr’s online behavior and the files discovered on his computer.

Leefarr’s defense attorney, Mr. Ashley Hendron, highlighted that his client was facing financial difficulties, including a bankruptcy with debts amounting to approximately £80,000. It was also revealed that Leefarr had a history of drug use, including cannabis and cocaine, but he was actively taking steps to address his substance abuse issues, with support from his family.

Judge John Plumstead addressed Leefarr directly during the sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of his actions and the potential harm caused to children. The judge stated, “You must get a grip of yourself. What a terrible mess. An evil streak in you has emerged and it is up to you to get it under control. If you re-offend, there will be no second chance. But for people like you, children would not be abused in this way.”

As part of his sentence, Leefarr was given a three-year community order that includes a rehabilitation requirement aimed at addressing his behavior. Additionally, he is subject to a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which grants authorities the authority to monitor his internet activity closely. He is also required to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing oversight of his conduct and online presence in the future.