GORDON LEICESTER FROM ST HELENS AND WARRINGTON JAILED FOR SEX OFFENSES AND FLEEING TO FRANCE

In a series of serious legal actions, Gordon Leicester, a man with connections to both St Helens and Warrington, has been subjected to multiple convictions and sentences related to sexual offenses and violations of sex offender registration laws.

In May 2014, Leicester, who is registered as a sex offender, was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison after he was found guilty of failing to notify the police about his travel plans to France. The breach of the Sexual Offences Prevention Act was considered a significant violation, as Leicester did not inform authorities of his trip abroad, which is a legal requirement for registered offenders. The court, held at St Helens Magistrates’ Court, heard that Leicester, who does not have a fixed address, admitted to the charges. Magistrates emphasized his criminal history, which includes previous sexual offenses, as a factor in their decision to impose the custodial sentence.

Leicester’s criminal record dates back to at least 2006, when he was convicted of serious sexual assault charges. In that case, he was sentenced to 30 months in prison after being found guilty of indecently assaulting two young girls. The victims included a five-year-old girl and a nine-year-old girl, with Leicester using his interest in naturism as a pretext to encourage them to be naked with him. The court heard that Leicester had initially denied the charges but later accepted guilt during the proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court. The prosecution, led by Henry Riding, detailed that Leicester faced seven charges of sexual assault, four of which involved the five-year-old victim and three involving the nine-year-old.

Leicester, then residing at Syers Court in Warrington, was convicted of these offenses and was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. Additionally, Judge John Phipps disqualified him from working with children, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he posed to the community. His case drew significant attention due to the nature of the offenses and his repeated violations of legal requirements concerning sex offender registration and travel restrictions.

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and managing individuals with a history of sexual offenses, especially those who attempt to evade legal obligations by traveling abroad or failing to comply with registration laws. Leicester’s case remains a stark reminder of the importance of strict enforcement and vigilant oversight to protect vulnerable members of society from repeat offenders.