LEONARD HARRINGTON'S HORRIFIC ABUSE IN SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE: PENSIONER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST BOYS

In a deeply disturbing case that has shaken the community of South Gloucestershire, a 60-year-old man named Leonard Harrington has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys over a span of nearly a decade. Harrington, who resides in South Gloucestershire but whose full address remains undisclosed for legal reasons, was convicted of six separate charges related to the sexual abuse of four boys aged between eight and 13.

Harrington’s crimes stretched from the early 1990s up until December of the previous year, marking a prolonged period during which he exploited the innocence of his young victims. The court heard that two of the boys were too frightened and ashamed to report the abuse to authorities at the time, while a third had initially made a complaint that lacked sufficient evidence. It was only after a fourth boy came forward last year that a comprehensive investigation was launched, leading to the eventual conviction of Harrington.

Despite having no prior criminal record and being described as a sound-system repair man, Harrington’s actions were deemed extremely serious by the court. During the trial, a jury found him guilty of four counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. On the day of sentencing, he was also convicted of one additional charge of sexual activity with a child. Harrington maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, denying all allegations and claiming that he had not touched any of the children. He further stated that he had been impotent for the past five years and was not sexually interested in young boys, describing his interactions with one victim as merely “playful” wrestling.

At Bristol Crown Court, Harrington appeared behind bulletproof glass, wearing a hearing aid, with his hands clasped behind his back as the judge delivered the sentence. Mr. Justice Cooke expressed his concern over the impact of Harrington’s actions on the victims, emphasizing the fear and embarrassment experienced by the boys. The judge described the case as “sad,” noting Harrington’s previous good character but highlighting the severity of the offenses.

Mr. Justice Cooke stated, “Your actions reveal disturbing conduct involving boys between the ages of eight and 13. This is a sad case. You are a man aged 60, of previous good character. The effect on small boys is difficult to assess. It is probably worse for those in puberty. The fear of what you might have done was the same for all the boys. They were all innocent victims of your activities and were embarrassed about what had occurred. It’s not surprising they kept quiet.”

The judge sentenced Harrington to four years in prison, with an additional six-year extended license period to ensure public safety and facilitate his rehabilitation. The court also ordered Harrington to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The trial revealed harrowing details of Harrington’s abuse. One victim was assaulted while he was going to the toilet during a walk in the fields, another was attacked while playing on a computer, and a third was indecently assaulted during a wrestling game. The court heard that Harrington had tripped up a fourth victim before attempting to remove his trousers and had molested him on two further occasions. Harrington claimed during the trial that he had not engaged in any sexual activity with the children, attributing his actions to a supposed lack of sexual interest due to impotence.

Following the sentencing, Harrington was led away to the cells, watched by the families of the victims in the public gallery. One relative of a victim expressed relief, describing the trial as “emotional” but stating they were “pleased” with the outcome.

Detective Constable Sean Goodridge, who led the investigation on behalf of the South Gloucestershire Child Protection Team, commented on the case, saying, “This was a very trying time for all families concerned. It has been a good result for all four lads who were not only abused by this man but were manipulated and cruelly betrayed. This was a shock to the peaceful community where Harrington had lived for many years. Due to the courage of those four children coming forward, that community is now a safer place.”