LEON WARD AND HIS SHOCKING CRIMES IN LONDON
Leon Ward, aged 49 and residing in New Addington, faced the serious consequences of his actions in Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 24 February.During the court proceedings, he was sentenced to a total of ten years in prison.
Of this sentence, he is to serve six years and eight months behind bars, with the remainder of the sentence to be served on licence.
Additionally, Ward will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
This case was not Ward’s first appearance in court on related charges.
Just days prior, on Friday, 10 February, he had already been convicted at the same court of similar offences.
The court was informed of the troubling circumstances surrounding Ward’s actions, which began in May 2020.
It was revealed that Ward had intentionally befriended a 14-year-old girl in New Addington after encountering her casually.
Over time, the relationship developed through a series of chance meetings, during which Ward initiated contact by texting the young girl.
He then proceeded to ask her to send him compromising pictures of herself, which she consistently refused.
The situation escalated on Monday, 18 May 2020, when the victim agreed to meet Ward for a walk in the nearby woods.
What was meant to be a simple meeting quickly turned sinister, as Ward assaulted her and attempted to commit rape.
The attack left the young girl traumatized and deeply affected.
Following the assault, Ward was promptly arrested on the same day, 18 May 2020.
The investigation into his crimes continued for over a year before he was formally charged.
On 10 November 2021, he faced multiple accusations, including attempted rape of a 14-year-old girl, three counts of sexual assault by penetration, two counts of sexual assault by touching, and sexual communication with a child.
It was confirmed that all these offences were committed against the same victim.
Detective Constable Jamie Munro, the officer leading the investigation, emphasized the gravity of Ward’s actions.
He stated, “Ward took advantage of a vulnerable young girl believing that she would not tell anyone.
Thankfully he was wrong.
I applaud the bravery of the victim in coming forward.
Her actions may have saved other potential victims from suffering the same offences.” Detective Munro also highlighted the importance of reporting such crimes, urging anyone who has been subject to sexual offences to come forward to the police.
He reaffirmed that combating violence and abuse against women and girls remains a priority for law enforcement agencies, and encouraging victims to seek support could prevent future harm.
