JEFFREY LEIB CAUGHT WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN RICKMANSWORTH

 |  Red Rose Database

Rickmansworth Child Sexual Abuser
In April 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Jeffrey Leib, a 50-year-old former officer employed by both Watford and Harrow councils, who was found to possess and distribute indecent images of children. Leib’s role within these local authorities included responsibilities related to safeguarding children, making the charges particularly serious and shocking to the community.

Leib’s arrest took place on July 9 of the previous year, when police executed a search warrant at his residence in Rickmansworth. During the raid, law enforcement officials examined his computer equipment and uncovered a disturbing collection of illicit images. Among these, one was classified as Category A, representing the most severe level of child exploitation material. Additionally, there were two images categorized as B and ten as C, with the latter being the lowest level of severity.

Prosecutor Neil King informed the court that Leib’s criminal activity extended beyond mere possession. It was revealed that he had also sent a Category C image depicting a topless 12-year-old girl via email to a Hotmail account. The investigation uncovered that Leib had used specific search terms such as “illegal, underage, amateur under age teen fun,” indicating a deliberate interest in child exploitation material.

When questioned by police at the time of his arrest, Leib chose to remain silent, making no comment in response to their inquiries. He subsequently appeared before St Albans Crown Court to face sentencing, having pleaded guilty to three counts of making (downloading) indecent images and one count of distribution of such images. Notably, Leib had no prior criminal convictions.

During the hearing, defense lawyer Bill Maley provided context for Leib’s actions, stating that he had been accessing adult pornography late at night when he downloaded the images of children. Maley emphasized Leib’s remorse and acknowledged the harm caused to the victims depicted in the images. He also detailed Leib’s current financial struggles, including the loss of his job, a significant reduction in income, and debts amounting to £9,000 owed to his brother, along with £11,000 in loans and credit card debts. Leib had also contributed £8,000 to legal aid and was forced to take out a second mortgage to manage his financial situation.

Maley highlighted Leib’s previous standing as a respected community member, noting his 23-year career as a licensing officer for local authorities, where he was tasked with safeguarding children and regulating adult entertainment venues such as strip clubs and lap dancing establishments. Since his arrest, Leib had sought help from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, a charity dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse, demonstrating some level of remorse and willingness to address his behavior.

Judge Philip Grey addressed Leib directly, condemning his actions and the disturbing nature of the images. He pointed out that the search terms used by Leib indicated a clear interest in child pornography, and described the images as “appalling.” The judge remarked that Leib’s own choices had led to the consequences he now faced.

Ultimately, Leib was sentenced to a 12-month jail term, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid community service and attend 40 days of a rehabilitation program. Additionally, he was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and required to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years. His electronic devices, including his laptop, mobile phone, and computer tower, were confiscated and forfeited as part of the proceedings.
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