CHRISTOPHER BERNARD FROM LEEDS SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN LEEDS
In December 2017, a disturbing case involving a child predator from Leeds came to light, revealing a pattern of heinous sexual abuse against a young boy.Christopher Bernard, aged 27, was convicted of multiple serious offences committed over a span of five years, targeting a nine-year-old boy in his own home in Leeds.
Bernard’s crimes included rape and other sexual acts, which he carried out repeatedly while the victim was between the ages of nine and thirteen.
The gravity of his actions was underscored during the trial at Leeds Crown Court, where the jury was presented with compelling evidence that left little doubt about his guilt.
The court heard that the victim was subjected to a climate of fear and intimidation, which Bernard exploited to commit these offences.
The young boy was reportedly frightened of Bernard, and the abuse was inflicted on him multiple times in the comfort of Bernard’s residence in Leeds.
The severity of the trauma inflicted on the child was emphasized by the court, with the judge noting the lasting impact on his mental health.
The case took a disturbing turn when Bernard created a fake Facebook account under a different name.
Through this account, he sent messages to the victim, demanding to see him and further exerting control and intimidation.
A relative of the young boy discovered these messages and urged the victim to report the matter to the police, which ultimately led to Bernard’s arrest and prosecution.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that the victim continues to suffer from anxiety and has expressed feelings of suicidal ideation as a direct result of the abuse he endured.
The court was told that the emotional scars inflicted by Bernard’s actions are unlikely to fully heal, highlighting the profound and lasting damage caused.
Bernard, who resides on Nowell Walk in Harehills, Leeds, was found guilty of three counts of rape and four counts of sexual activity with a child.
The judge, Penelope Belcher, sentenced him to a custodial term of 14 years, with an additional extended licence period of one year.
Furthermore, Bernard was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes.
Judge Belcher addressed Bernard directly, stating, “You have made him feel like he wanted to kill himself.
A lengthy custodial sentence is inevitable.
These are repeated serious offences against a vulnerable child.” The case underscores the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting children from predators like Bernard, whose actions have left a lasting scar on the young victim’s life.
