CHRISTOPHER LEANEY BRIGHTON SCHOOLGIRL BABY SCANDAL

In September 2009, a disturbing case emerged involving a young girl from Brighton who became pregnant after engaging in a sexual relationship with her cadet boss. The girl, only 15 years old at the time, was involved with Christopher Leaney, a 30-year-old officer associated with the Nautical Training Corps. The troubling relationship took place in Stanmer Park, a well-known public space in Brighton, where the two reportedly had sexual encounters.

Her father, who was unaware of the true nature of his daughter's relationship, was shocked to discover the truth only after finding a letter from a midwife. This letter revealed that his daughter had given birth earlier that year, a revelation that came as a devastating surprise. The father had previously been led to believe that there was nothing inappropriate happening between his daughter and Leaney, as he was told by the man himself that there was no relationship. However, it later emerged that Leaney had been secretly carrying on an affair with the teenager, engaging in sexual activity in Brighton's Stanmer Park.

Following the birth of the child, the relationship between Leaney and the girl ended when he was arrested in October of the previous year. The case was brought before Hove Crown Court, where Leaney, of Cuckmere Way, Brighton, admitted to four charges related to sexual activity with a minor. The court heard that at the time of the offences, Leaney was 29 years old and had no prior criminal convictions. He was described as a diligent worker and a man who had served as an officer in the Nautical Training Corps, based at TS Zealous on Carden Avenue in Brighton.

Prosecutor Michael Warren recounted that the girl's father confronted Leaney after hearing rumors about the relationship. Leaney initially denied any inappropriate conduct, asserting that it would be wrong for a man of his age to be involved with such a young girl. The father believed Leaney's explanation, accepting that there was no immediate evidence of wrongdoing. Warren noted, however, that the father was unaware of the romantic liaison that was ongoing.

It was only after the family discovered the pregnancy that they learned the full extent of the relationship. Leaney subsequently contacted the police, admitting to having developed a relationship with the girl. He even claimed that on Valentine's Day, he presented her with a ring as a symbol of his commitment.

During the court proceedings, defense lawyer Brian Shaw expressed that Leaney felt remorse for his actions. Shaw described Leaney's life prior to the offences as unremarkable and emphasized that he had no previous criminal record. The court sentenced Leaney to two years in prison. Additionally, the judge ordered him to register as a sex offender for ten years and imposed a sexual offences prevention order for the same period. This order prohibits him from working or volunteering with any youth or educational organization that involves members under 16 and restricts any contact with girls under 16 unless accompanied by an adult relative.

Judge Anthony Niblett addressed Leaney directly, stating, "The girl was nearing her 16th birthday, and had you and she been willing to wait just three months, no offence would have been committed." The case highlights the serious legal and moral implications of engaging in sexual activities with minors, especially in cases involving authority figures and young teenagers in Brighton.