BRIAN TOMKINSON JAILED FOR ABUSE IN BELLE ISLE, LEEDS
| Red Rose Database
Leeds Belle Isle Rapist
In May 2009, a disturbing case of child sexual abuse culminated in the imprisonment of Brian Tomkinson, a 75-year-old man from Belle Isle, Leeds. The case drew significant attention as a woman, identified only as M to protect her privacy, bravely shared her harrowing experience of being sexually assaulted and raped by Tomkinson from the tender age of six.
Now 25 years old, M has become an outspoken advocate encouraging other victims to come forward and seek justice. Her decision to waive her right to anonymity was driven by a desire to shed light on the abuse she endured and to help others find the courage to speak out. Her testimony was a pivotal part of the week-long trial held at Leeds Crown Court, where she and another victim provided detailed accounts of their suffering.
M recounted her childhood visits to Tomkinson’s house, which she often visited because her mother was close friends with Tomkinson’s wife. She described how her visits involved simple activities like gardening and sharing treats such as biscuits and ice cream. However, these innocent outings masked the sinister abuse that was to come.
The abuse, which took place between 1989 and 1993, was marked by a gradual escalation in severity. M vividly remembered the day it all changed. She recalled being asked a question by Tomkinson, which she did not understand at the time. He then kissed her on the cheek, similar to a familial gesture, but soon after, he took her upstairs and sat her on his bed. She described feeling confused and unsure, as he appeared to be testing her boundaries, all while she was only six years old.
As the years progressed, the abuse worsened, often occurring when Tomkinson’s wife was not at home. M explained that she only became aware of the full extent of what had happened to her after she started sex education at school. The realization was devastating, and she feared ridicule from her peers for having been involved with Tomkinson. She carried this guilt silently for years, only confiding in her husband two years prior to the trial.
Her decision to speak out was prompted by witnessing two girls entering Tomkinson’s house, which she believed was unsafe. She reported her concerns to her health visitor, who then contacted the police. It was revealed that the police already had a complaint against Tomkinson from another girl, but insufficient evidence had previously prevented charges. When her notes were examined, authorities uncovered the earlier complaint, which she was unaware of at the time.
Brian Tomkinson faced multiple charges, including four counts of rape and eleven counts of indecent assault. The trial was an emotionally taxing experience for both victims, who had to undergo cross-examination. Witnesses were visibly distressed, with one victim even becoming physically sick during proceedings. Despite the trauma, M expressed her belief that the trial was necessary and urged other victims to come forward, emphasizing that they are not alone and that speaking out can bring justice.
Following his conviction, Tomkinson was disqualified from working with children and placed on the sex offenders register for life. Detective Inspector Paul Smith praised the bravery of the victims and urged any other potential victims to contact the police at 0845 606 0606, emphasizing the importance of reporting abuse to prevent further harm and to help bring offenders to justice.
Now 25 years old, M has become an outspoken advocate encouraging other victims to come forward and seek justice. Her decision to waive her right to anonymity was driven by a desire to shed light on the abuse she endured and to help others find the courage to speak out. Her testimony was a pivotal part of the week-long trial held at Leeds Crown Court, where she and another victim provided detailed accounts of their suffering.
M recounted her childhood visits to Tomkinson’s house, which she often visited because her mother was close friends with Tomkinson’s wife. She described how her visits involved simple activities like gardening and sharing treats such as biscuits and ice cream. However, these innocent outings masked the sinister abuse that was to come.
The abuse, which took place between 1989 and 1993, was marked by a gradual escalation in severity. M vividly remembered the day it all changed. She recalled being asked a question by Tomkinson, which she did not understand at the time. He then kissed her on the cheek, similar to a familial gesture, but soon after, he took her upstairs and sat her on his bed. She described feeling confused and unsure, as he appeared to be testing her boundaries, all while she was only six years old.
As the years progressed, the abuse worsened, often occurring when Tomkinson’s wife was not at home. M explained that she only became aware of the full extent of what had happened to her after she started sex education at school. The realization was devastating, and she feared ridicule from her peers for having been involved with Tomkinson. She carried this guilt silently for years, only confiding in her husband two years prior to the trial.
Her decision to speak out was prompted by witnessing two girls entering Tomkinson’s house, which she believed was unsafe. She reported her concerns to her health visitor, who then contacted the police. It was revealed that the police already had a complaint against Tomkinson from another girl, but insufficient evidence had previously prevented charges. When her notes were examined, authorities uncovered the earlier complaint, which she was unaware of at the time.
Brian Tomkinson faced multiple charges, including four counts of rape and eleven counts of indecent assault. The trial was an emotionally taxing experience for both victims, who had to undergo cross-examination. Witnesses were visibly distressed, with one victim even becoming physically sick during proceedings. Despite the trauma, M expressed her belief that the trial was necessary and urged other victims to come forward, emphasizing that they are not alone and that speaking out can bring justice.
Following his conviction, Tomkinson was disqualified from working with children and placed on the sex offenders register for life. Detective Inspector Paul Smith praised the bravery of the victims and urged any other potential victims to contact the police at 0845 606 0606, emphasizing the importance of reporting abuse to prevent further harm and to help bring offenders to justice.