LEROY BLAKE FROM BURNGREAVE, SHEFFIELD, JAILED FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRL IN SHEFFIELD AND LONDON

In a harrowing case that spans across Sheffield and London, Leroy Blake, aged 47 and residing on Verdon Street in Burngreave, Sheffield, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving a young girl. The victim, whose identity remains protected, was subjected to repeated sexual assaults by Blake from the tender age of nine, with the abuse continuing over several years and culminating in a pregnancy at the age of 12.

Blake, who was born in Montserrat, inflicted his trauma on the girl in what he bizarrely referred to as 'little games.' His actions included not only sexual assault but also violent attempts to terminate her pregnancy. The court heard that Blake, who has fathered a total of twelve children with five different women, once tried to harm the unborn child by standing on the girl’s stomach in an effort to cause a miscarriage. Despite his efforts, the girl later gave birth to a healthy son, a fact confirmed during the trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

The case came to light after the victim, now 27 years old, reported the abuse last year. The assaults had taken place between 1990 and 1994, primarily in Islington, North London. During police interviews, Blake denied any involvement, claiming, “Me never have sex with that girl, so how can me be the father of the baby?” He even suggested that the girl might have injected herself with his semen, a claim that was dismissed when DNA testing conclusively proved he was the biological father.

Prosecutor Robin Miric highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that Blake’s denial was unfounded and that the DNA evidence left no doubt about his paternity. The victim described Blake as someone who “almost destroyed my character,” revealing the profound and lasting impact of his abuse. Blake, also known by aliases Daniel Blake and Leroy Sylvester, had moved to Sheffield after the abuse, where he cared for his mentally disabled son from a different relationship until his arrest.

Judge Louise Kamill, presiding over the case, sentenced Blake to serve a minimum of 15 years behind bars. She also ordered him to register as a sex offender for life and prohibited him from contacting, residing with, or working with anyone under the age of 16. The judge expressed her concern over the long-lasting effects of Blake’s actions, noting that it had taken nearly two decades for the victim to finally speak out. She stated, “It has taken your victim nearly 20 years to be able to speak about your activity. She no doubt suffered throughout her adolescent life.” The court’s verdict underscores the severity of Blake’s crimes and the lasting scars inflicted upon his victim.