GARETH UNDERWOOD JAILED IN LEEDS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING SCHOOLGIRLS AFTER DICE GAME GONE WRONG
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Leeds, Gareth Underwood has been sentenced to five years in prison following serious sexual offences committed against two young girls.The incident unfolded in August of the previous year, when the two girls, aged 12 and 13, visited Underwood’s residence on Burlington Road in the Beeston area of Leeds, with the hope of obtaining some money.
According to court proceedings, Underwood, 56 years old at the time, welcomed the girls into his home and offered them brandy.
After consuming the alcohol, the girls accompanied him upstairs to his bedroom, where they engaged in a dice game.
The game involved following the instructions dictated by the roll of the dice, but it soon took a sinister turn.
Underwood began to touch the girls over their clothing, and he coerced them into performing sexual acts on him.
These actions constituted serious sexual misconduct and abuse.
Prosecutor Tom Storey revealed that after the girls left Underwood’s house, he gave them some money.
The girls, in turn, spent the money on alcohol, which led to one of them becoming heavily intoxicated.
Her condition deteriorated to the point that she required hospital treatment, and it was during this medical intervention that the offences committed by Underwood were uncovered and brought to light.
Underwood was charged and pleaded guilty to one count of rape and one count of sexual activity with a child.
His defense lawyer, Kama Melly, stated that Underwood believed the girls were significantly older than they actually were.
He expressed his client’s remorse, emphasizing that Underwood was disgusted and ashamed upon discovering the true ages of the girls.
Judge Tom Bayliss QC delivered the sentence, describing the case as a “sorry tale” and emphasizing the gravity of the offences.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such crimes are treated, especially when they involve vulnerable minors in the Leeds area.
