OXFORD MAN JAILED FOR DECADES OF CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND RAPES

A man from Botley has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after being convicted of numerous child sex offences spanning two decades. The offender, Benjamin Leach, aged 35 and residing on Hanson Drive, Botley, was found guilty following an investigation by Thames Valley Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit. He pleaded guilty to six counts of raping a child under 13, along with additional charges including causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child, and indecent assault on a male. His trial was cut short after his guilty plea, which was entered on the second day of proceedings at Oxford Crown Court on May 23. The offences took place across Oxfordshire between 2001 and 2021, involving two boys whom he repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted in various locations. He was charged on May 3 of the previous year. Detective Constable Leanne Moody from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit expressed relief at the verdict, emphasizing that Thames Valley Police treat sexual offences against children with utmost seriousness. She praised the victims' bravery in coming forward and reiterated the police's commitment to prosecute offenders regardless of how much time has passed. She added that support is available for victims and encouraged anyone with information to contact police via 101 or their website.