JASON LEONARD FROM REDCAR SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN TEESSIDE
In March 2018, a disturbing case of sexual abuse involving a young girl has culminated in the sentencing of Jason Leonard, a 47-year-old man from Redcar.The court heard harrowing details of how Leonard groomed, isolated, and ultimately sexually assaulted a vulnerable underage girl, leaving her with lasting emotional scars.
Teesside Crown Court was told that Leonard’s actions took place years ago in a secluded area, often referred to as a 'den,' where he manipulated the young girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
The prosecution revealed that Leonard falsely told her she was special, expressed love for her, and made inappropriate advances, including statements about wanting to have sex with her once she was older.
These grooming tactics aimed to build trust and dependency, making her more susceptible to his subsequent abuse.
According to prosecutor Shaun Dodds, Leonard repeatedly molested the girl, even when she tried to resist or push him away.
On one occasion, he forcibly pushed her against a wall, grabbed her hand, and demanded, “Touch me,” only releasing her when she screamed.
On another incident, he attempted to coerce her into touching him, but she managed to escape.
The court also learned that Leonard showed her adult pornography on his phone, further exposing her to inappropriate material and manipulation.
The young girl, whose identity remains protected by law, was reluctant to disclose what had happened initially.
However, her friends encouraged her to confide in a teacher when the emotional burden became overwhelming.
Her statement to the court was filled with pain and regret, as she expressed feelings of punishment and blame despite being the victim.
She described her life as being profoundly affected, stating, “I feel like it’s ruined my life,” and sharing her struggles with sleep, social withdrawal, and intrusive thoughts that she cannot push away.
Leonard, who previously resided on Alfred Street in Redcar, denied the charges of sexual offences.
Nevertheless, after a trial last month, he was found guilty of one count of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act.
Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, addressed Leonard directly, emphasizing the strength of the evidence presented.
“You were convicted on the overwhelming evidence by the jury.
This was a bad case of grooming and planning these assaults.
You remain in denial in relation to these matters,” he stated.
As a result of his conviction, Leonard was sentenced to six years in prison.
Additionally, he was issued a sexual harm prevention order that prohibits him from contacting the victim indefinitely.
He will also be registered on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.
