LEE GARROD FROM HEYWOOD AND OLDHAM ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

In August 2008, a disturbing case involving a young man named Lee Garrod unfolded in the courts, revealing a troubling history of child sexual abuse that spanned several years. The incident came to light after the victim’s father, in a surprising turn of events, publicly pleaded for Garrod not to be imprisoned, a plea that influenced the court’s decision.

Lee Garrod, aged 20 at the time, was accused of sexually assaulting a young girl while she was asleep. The girl, who was invited to stay at Garrod’s former family residence in Oldham, became the victim of abuse that reportedly persisted for up to eight years. The girl, who is now 15 and a close family friend, eventually confided in her family, telling Garrod to stop his inappropriate behavior. Following her disclosure, she made a formal complaint to the police, initiating a criminal investigation.

The case was brought before Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, where Garrod, who was residing on Farm Street in Heywood at the time, faced charges of indecent assault and sexual assault. Although Garrod initially denied the allegations, he later admitted to touching the girl during the period of the abuse while awaiting sentencing. His admission came as a surprise to many, given his earlier denials.

Garrod was convicted of the charges and sentenced to a three-year community rehabilitation order. As part of his sentence, he was also required to attend a specialized sex-offender treatment program, aimed at addressing his behavior and preventing future offenses.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Mushtaq Khokhar acknowledged the unusual circumstances of the case. He revealed that the victim’s father, who was not named to protect her identity, had personally requested that Garrod not be sent to prison. The father expressed the belief that if Garrod had admitted guilt immediately after the girl’s initial complaint, the case might never have gone to court. The court also heard that Garrod’s mother suffered from a chronic fatigue illness, which meant she depended heavily on her son for care and support.

Judge Khokhar addressed Garrod directly, stating, “These offences are serious but while you gave your evidence I did not think you were someone who presented a danger to people. You are a loner and an inadequate person, and it seems to me you need help rather than a period of custody.” He further explained that the victim’s father, who had asked for leniency, did not want Garrod to be imprisoned because of his mother’s reliance on him. The judge emphasized that although the girl’s feelings towards Garrod had changed, the punishment for his actions would be a lifelong burden.

He added, “It is plain she now doesn’t like you for what you did but that is the punishment you will have to live with for the rest of your life. In so far as your mother is concerned, she lives with you but she is sometimes rendered immobile and is constantly reliant on you. There is nobody who can take your position if I send you to custody.”

Garrod’s defense lawyer, Martin Sharpe, provided some context about his client, stating that Garrod struggled with forming relationships with the opposite sex. Mr. Sharpe also emphasized that there was no manipulation involved in the case and that no further offending had occurred since the abuse stopped. The court’s decision reflected a complex balance between the seriousness of the crimes and the circumstances surrounding Garrod’s family situation, ultimately opting for rehabilitation over incarceration.