Isle of Wight paedophile faces sentencing delay after CPS mistake

ISLE OF WIGHT PAEDOPHILE FACES SENTENCING DELAY AFTER CPS MISTAKE

The sentencing of an Isle of Wight paedophile has been delayed after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) failed to prepare a sex offender’s order on time.

Barry Leigh, of Whitcombe Road in Carisbrooke, appeared before the IW Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 8, for sentencing.

The 71-year-old previously admitted distributing indecent photographs of children in Ryde between October 4 and 12, 2023.

At the previous hearing, the court heard that Leigh had instigated a conversation with an undercover police officer and sent them two Category C images of children.

Prosecutor Rhys Evans said Leigh was due to be sentenced for the indecent images offence, but his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) had not been prepared in time by the CPS.

The court heard that Leigh’s SHPO will be a “meaty” order and will help safeguard people and prevent further crime.

Without the completed order, which will become active after Leigh’s sentencing, it would be impossible to continue the sentencing, Mr Evans said.

Magistrates were asked to order the forfeiture and destruction of Leigh’s HP Laptop and Apple MacBook.

Leigh was granted unconditional bail ahead of his new sentencing date on August 27.