CHRISTOPHER LEASK SENTENCED IN DERBYSHIRE FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF VULNERABLE TEENAGER
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community across Derbyshire, Christopher Leask, a man with a long history of sexual offenses, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for grooming and abusing a vulnerable 14-year-old girl from Derby.The incident unfolded shortly after Leask was released from prison, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by repeat offenders and the failures in monitoring systems.
According to court proceedings at Derby Crown Court, Leask, aged 38, targeted the young girl in Derby city, where he encouraged her to leave her home and engage in sexual activities behind a charity shop.
The court heard that Leask had a disturbing pattern of behavior, including storing the victim’s contact details under the nickname “Babygirl” on his mobile phone, which demonstrated a clear grooming attitude.
The predator took the girl to a McDonald's restaurant and was eventually found with her outside an Asda supermarket in Sinfin.
Recorder Michelle Heeley KC, presiding over the case, sentenced Leask to 11 and a half years in prison.
She emphasized the severity of his actions, stating, “She was vulnerable and that you called her ‘Babygirl’ demonstrates your attitude.
You are a sexual predator and you present a risk of serious harm to more people.
There is clear evidence you targeted and groomed this young girl.” Prosecutor Jonathan Dunne provided further details, revealing that Leask had been released from a 16-week jail sentence in July 2022 for breaching the terms of his sex offender registration.
Despite being required to go directly to a bail hostel, Leask failed to do so and did not inform his supervising officers.
By the end of that month, he was residing in the Normanton area of Derby, where he met the victim.
Mr.
Dunne explained that the girl, who appeared younger than her actual age and was considered vulnerable, was seen with Leask in the street by her parents.
Her father observed her with Leask and informed her mother.
On July 30, her mother confronted her about her association with Leask, noting bruising on her neck consistent with a love bite.
The girl admitted that Leask had given her the bruise and that she had reciprocated.
Her parents immediately forbade her from seeing him, but despite this, Leask maintained contact through social media platforms.
Police investigations uncovered conversations between them, and the girl was stored as “Babygirl” in Leask’s phone.
On the early hours of August, the girl managed to escape her home through a window, an escape that was premeditated with Leask.
Her parents realized she was missing around 4 am and promptly contacted the police.
A search ensued, and CCTV footage from a local McDonald's captured the two together, showing them very close and sharing kisses.
Later that day, police located Leask and the girl near Asda in Sinfin.
Leask initially attempted to evade arrest, resisting police efforts, but was eventually detained.
The girl was found at the rear of the store, wearing Leask’s coat.
Following his arrest, Leask was taken to St Mary’s Wharf police station.
While in custody, he attempted to dispose of his underwear by flushing it down the toilet.
Although the underwear was recovered, no DNA results could be obtained from it.
However, DNA analysis of the girl’s underwear confirmed that sexual activity had taken place between them.
The girl was interviewed by officers and confirmed that the sexual acts occurred behind the charity shop, further substantiating the charges.
Leask, now residing at Raleigh Street, Radford, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to charges of sexual activity with a child and failing to comply with notification requirements.
His criminal history is extensive, dating back to 1997, with previous convictions for similar offenses.
Notably, in 2011, he received a six-year sentence plus a five-year extended license for engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl and other related offenses during August and September of the previous year.
His current sentence comprises a custodial term of seven and a half years, coupled with a four-year extended license.
This means that Leask will not be eligible for parole until he has served two-thirds of his custodial sentence, approximately five years.
In a related case from March 2011, Leask was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl, for which he received a six-year prison sentence and a five-year extended license.
The court also found him guilty of causing or inciting sexual acts with a child and other related charges, all occurring during August and September of the previous year.
Additionally, he admitted to harming a witness in December 2010 and was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, reflecting the serious nature of his criminal conduct and the ongoing threat he poses to the community.
