WAKEFIELD MAN JONATHAN LEATHAM SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST SCHOOLGIRL
| Red Rose Database
Wakefield Rapist
In a case that has shocked the Wakefield community, Jonathan Leatham, aged 33, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 11 years after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving a young girl. The offences took place over a period when the victim was between the ages of 10 and 14, with Leatham committing these acts on three separate occasions.
Leatham, who resides on Grey Street in Wakefield, was found guilty at Leeds Crown Court earlier this year of a series of heinous crimes, including rape, attempted rape, and causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. The court also convicted him of five additional sexual offences, painting a disturbing picture of his actions over several years.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Penelope Belcher expressed her grave concerns about Leatham's lack of remorse and his failure to acknowledge the severity of his crimes. She noted that a report indicated he posed a high risk of future harm to children, and she considered the possibility of an indefinite sentence. However, she ultimately settled on an 11-year term, emphasizing the importance of protecting the community.
Judge Belcher remarked, “It is of enormous concern to me that you do not recognise this offending behaviour and are therefore unlikely to qualify for sexual offending treatment programmes in custody.” Her comments underscored her view that Leatham's attitude towards his crimes was troubling and that his rehabilitation prospects appeared limited.
Leatham’s legal representative, Matthew Harding, argued that there was no violence or threats involved in any of the incidents, which the judge acknowledged but did not find sufficient to alter the sentence. In addition to his prison term, Leatham was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order. This order explicitly prohibits him from making contact with his victim and restricts him from having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16.
These measures aim to prevent any further harm and ensure community safety, reflecting the gravity of the crimes committed by Leatham in Wakefield. The case has left many residents concerned about the safety of children and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals from predators like him.
Leatham, who resides on Grey Street in Wakefield, was found guilty at Leeds Crown Court earlier this year of a series of heinous crimes, including rape, attempted rape, and causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. The court also convicted him of five additional sexual offences, painting a disturbing picture of his actions over several years.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Penelope Belcher expressed her grave concerns about Leatham's lack of remorse and his failure to acknowledge the severity of his crimes. She noted that a report indicated he posed a high risk of future harm to children, and she considered the possibility of an indefinite sentence. However, she ultimately settled on an 11-year term, emphasizing the importance of protecting the community.
Judge Belcher remarked, “It is of enormous concern to me that you do not recognise this offending behaviour and are therefore unlikely to qualify for sexual offending treatment programmes in custody.” Her comments underscored her view that Leatham's attitude towards his crimes was troubling and that his rehabilitation prospects appeared limited.
Leatham’s legal representative, Matthew Harding, argued that there was no violence or threats involved in any of the incidents, which the judge acknowledged but did not find sufficient to alter the sentence. In addition to his prison term, Leatham was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order. This order explicitly prohibits him from making contact with his victim and restricts him from having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16.
These measures aim to prevent any further harm and ensure community safety, reflecting the gravity of the crimes committed by Leatham in Wakefield. The case has left many residents concerned about the safety of children and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals from predators like him.