LEO MCLEOD FROM REDRUTH SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE AND INDECENT IMAGES
| Red Rose Database
Redruth Child Sexual Abuser
In October 2022, Leo McLeod, a 28-year-old resident of Lanner near Redruth, faced serious criminal charges related to the abuse of children and possession of indecent images. The case was brought before Truro Crown Court, where McLeod appeared to receive his sentence after pleading guilty to multiple offenses involving minors.
McLeod admitted to sexually assaulting two children, with the charges including seven counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, eight counts of sexual assault by penetration, and three counts of making indecent images of children. The prosecution, led by Jason Beal, outlined that the case involved two victims, with some of the offenses occurring when McLeod himself was still a minor. The details of the abuse are particularly disturbing, primarily involving inappropriate physical contact with the victims.
Regarding the first and primary victim, Mr. Beal explained that she did not resist the abuse and believed it to be normal behavior at the time. She was afraid to speak out, fearing repercussions if she disclosed what was happening. During an interview in August 2020, McLeod initially denied the allegations, claiming he did not understand why the victim would make false accusations. However, he later requested a second interview, during which he fully admitted to the offenses.
In his confession, McLeod stated that his actions were not driven by sexual desire but rather by feelings of aggression and unhappiness. He explained that these emotional struggles led him to abuse the children. Additionally, McLeod admitted to viewing indecent images of children, claiming curiosity rather than attraction as his motivation. Authorities found evidence of his online activity, seizing devices from his caravan, which contained 15 Category A images, 67 Category B images, and 367 Category C images.
The impact on the first victim has been profound. In her victim impact statement, she revealed ongoing struggles with trust, particularly around males, and described feelings of anger and frustration. She also reported difficulty sleeping due to intrusive thoughts about the abuse and disclosed that she had contemplated suicide when overwhelmed by her emotions.
During sentencing, Recorder M Galloway emphasized the severe and lasting effects of McLeod’s actions on the victims. He highlighted that the abuse continues to affect the first victim’s mental health and well-being. The court also took into account McLeod’s background, mental health issues, and his admissions during the second interview.
Ultimately, McLeod was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with an additional four years to be served on license. He is also required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm. The case underscores the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of justice for victims in the Redruth area and beyond.
McLeod admitted to sexually assaulting two children, with the charges including seven counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, eight counts of sexual assault by penetration, and three counts of making indecent images of children. The prosecution, led by Jason Beal, outlined that the case involved two victims, with some of the offenses occurring when McLeod himself was still a minor. The details of the abuse are particularly disturbing, primarily involving inappropriate physical contact with the victims.
Regarding the first and primary victim, Mr. Beal explained that she did not resist the abuse and believed it to be normal behavior at the time. She was afraid to speak out, fearing repercussions if she disclosed what was happening. During an interview in August 2020, McLeod initially denied the allegations, claiming he did not understand why the victim would make false accusations. However, he later requested a second interview, during which he fully admitted to the offenses.
In his confession, McLeod stated that his actions were not driven by sexual desire but rather by feelings of aggression and unhappiness. He explained that these emotional struggles led him to abuse the children. Additionally, McLeod admitted to viewing indecent images of children, claiming curiosity rather than attraction as his motivation. Authorities found evidence of his online activity, seizing devices from his caravan, which contained 15 Category A images, 67 Category B images, and 367 Category C images.
The impact on the first victim has been profound. In her victim impact statement, she revealed ongoing struggles with trust, particularly around males, and described feelings of anger and frustration. She also reported difficulty sleeping due to intrusive thoughts about the abuse and disclosed that she had contemplated suicide when overwhelmed by her emotions.
During sentencing, Recorder M Galloway emphasized the severe and lasting effects of McLeod’s actions on the victims. He highlighted that the abuse continues to affect the first victim’s mental health and well-being. The court also took into account McLeod’s background, mental health issues, and his admissions during the second interview.
Ultimately, McLeod was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with an additional four years to be served on license. He is also required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm. The case underscores the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of justice for victims in the Redruth area and beyond.