LEONARD GARNETT'S SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN BISHOP AUCKLAND REVEALED

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, Leonard Garnett, a former coach company worker, has been convicted of serious child sex offences that date back over three decades. The details of his crimes, which came to light after a lengthy investigation and trial, reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse involving a young boy, and have led to significant legal repercussions.

Garnett, aged 58 at the time of sentencing, was found guilty at Teesside Crown Court in May of committing historic child sex offences. The court heard that the abuse occurred when Garnett was in his 20s, during which he removed the undergarments of a young boy aged five or six and attempted to penetrate him. Lord Justice Treacy, presiding over the case, recounted that the young victim was so distressed by the assault that he began crying. Despite the child's pleas, Garnett told him to be quiet and proceeded with his assault.

The psychological trauma inflicted on the victim was profound. The judge noted that the boy suffered lasting emotional harm, which manifested in severe ways, including an attempt to take his own life by cutting his throat when he was older. The victim confided in his family about the abuse, but no immediate action was taken. It was only many years later that he found the courage to report the incident to the police, leading to Garnett's eventual conviction.

Following the conviction, the Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC MP referred Garnett's original five-year sentence to the Court of Appeal, arguing that it was unduly lenient given the gravity of the offences. On Wednesday, July 27, the Court of Appeal increased Garnett's prison term to seven years and six months, along with an additional year of extended licence supervision. The court also imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SHPO), which restricts Garnett from having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16.

Despite the conviction and the severity of the sentence, Garnett continues to maintain his innocence, claiming that