LEIGH COLLINS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AND BURGLARY IN SITTINGBOURNE AND SCARBOROUGH

In a recent court ruling, Leigh Collins, a young man originally from Sittingbourne, has been sentenced to a total of 23 months in youth custody following his involvement in a serious sexual assault and a subsequent burglary. The case, which was heard at Maidstone Crown Court, sheds light on a disturbing series of events that took place in Sittingbourne and highlights the gravity of Collins' actions.

According to court proceedings, Collins, aged 19 at the time, initially admitted to raping a 12-year-old girl. However, his plea was later amended to a charge of sexual activity with a minor. The incident occurred in March at a residence in Sittingbourne, where the victim was spending time with friends. During the course of the evening, the girl found herself alone with Collins, which led to a distressing sequence of events. Prosecutor Abigail Husbands detailed that the two began kissing, and Collins then forced the young girl into engaging in sexual activity against her will. The girl was visibly upset afterward, crying and hysterical, and she subsequently left her school premises, indicating the emotional trauma she experienced.

Collins, who was then residing in Sittingbourne but has since moved to Scarborough, was arrested two days following the assault. His criminal activities did not end there. The day after the sexual offence, Collins committed a burglary at a property on Minterne Avenue in Sittingbourne. Disguising his identity, he approached an 80-year-old woman claiming to be a friend of her grandson. Prosecutor Husbands explained that Collins provided a false name and told the elderly victim that he was there to collect some property for her grandson. Exploiting her trust, Collins then proceeded to ransack the house, stealing various electrical items, including gaming consoles, games, and a television.

Judge Jeremy Carey acknowledged the severity of Collins' actions, emphasizing the profound impact the sexual offence had on the young victim. The judge also described the burglary as “particularly unattractive,” noting Collins' calculated and cold approach during the theft. Recognizing that Collins has significant mental health difficulties, the judge sentenced him to 12 months for the sexual offence, eight months for the burglary, and an additional three months for breaching a community order. All sentences are to run consecutively, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the need for appropriate punishment.