JOHN LEES SENTENCED IN COVENTRY FOR RAPE OF YOUNG GIRLS
In December 2002, a 45-year-old man from Coventry, John Lees, was sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual assault of two young girls.The sentencing took place at Coventry Crown Court, where Lees was found guilty of multiple charges related to his abuse of minors.
Lees, a resident of the Hillfields area in Coventry, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of rape involving two girls under the age of 16.
The court also heard that he admitted to three charges of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and two additional counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 16.
These criminal acts spanned a period from 1997 up until August of the same year, just before his arrest.
The court was informed that the first rape occurred in 1997, shortly after Lees met one of the victims, a young girl.
The second incident took place in August 2002, involving a different girl.
The judge, Richard Cole, emphasized the severity of Lees's actions and his dangerous nature, especially considering his criminal history.
It was revealed that Lees had previously served a four-year sentence at Manchester Crown Court in 1991 for similar sexual offences against a minor.
Judge Cole stated, “I have a duty not only to punish but to protect people from these sort of crimes taking place in the future.
You are a risk to other children if you are released, and I have to consider that in passing sentence.
It is apparent from the nature of your offences that you are a person of unstable character and likely to reoffend in future.” As part of his sentence, Lees was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, underscoring the court’s concern about his potential threat to the community.
His defense attorney, Stuart Baker, expressed that Lees regretted his actions and was eager to address the issues within his character that led to these offences.
Detective Constable Andy McCord, from the child protection team, commented on the case, saying, “It has been a traumatic time for the individuals concerned, who have had the courage to come forward to help stop this man from committing further offences.
The child protection team are very pleased with the sentence given by the court, and agree with the judge’s sentiments that a dangerous man has been sent to prison.” Overall, the case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and child protection agencies in Coventry to safeguard vulnerable children and ensure that offenders like John Lees are held accountable for their actions, preventing further harm to the community.
