JOHN HEANY LEEDS SEX PREDATOR SENTENCED IN LEEDS
In April 2023, a disturbing case involving a man from Leeds, identified as John Heany, brought to light the ongoing issues of child safety and the dangers posed by sexual predators within the community.The incident centered around Heany, an 80-year-old man described as lonely and perverted, who targeted a young girl on a street in Leeds.
According to court records, the incident occurred in 2020 when Heany approached a nine-year-old girl while she was playing outside.
He then asked her to lift her top so he could see her naked body.
This act of predatory behavior was reported and investigated, leading to a trial where Heany denied any wrongdoing.
Despite his denials, the evidence presented was sufficient for a conviction of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
At Leeds Crown Court, Judge Tom Bayliss KC delivered the verdict and sentenced Heany to a two-year prison term, which was suspended for two years.
The judge emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “It was for your sexual gratification, I’m quite sure of that.
Children should be free to play outside and not be exposed to sexual predators like you.
She should be able to view adults as people who care and protect them.” Judge Bayliss also addressed Heany’s personal circumstances, noting his age and loneliness, and acknowledged that immediate custody would have a significant impact on him.
However, he made it clear that the public’s safety was paramount, and that Heany’s attraction to children was a serious concern.
The judge remarked, “You are attracted to young children.
You do not accept that.
The public needs protecting from people like you, but you are a lonely and unloved 80-year-old man and immediate custody will undoubtedly have an impact on you.” Further, the court heard that Heany, a retired coal miner and lorry driver, had previously approached the same girl and her friend, asking if they wanted to go and live with him, mistakenly believing they were homeless.
This pattern of behavior underscored the ongoing risk he posed.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Heany was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration.
This order prohibits him from having any unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16, aiming to prevent any future harm and protect vulnerable minors in the Leeds community.
