LESLEY ANDREWS FROM BLACKPOOL AND HORNSEA JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AND ESCAPE

In a case that has shocked the communities of Blackpool and Hornsea, Leslie Andrews, aged 54, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault against a young girl. The crimes took place over a period spanning from May 1997 to May 2002, during which Andrews exploited his victim’s innocence and trust.

Leslie Andrews, a former café owner, initially attempted to evade justice by staging a dramatic disappearance. In 2002, he left his wife and family behind by faking his own death in Blackpool. He deliberately created the illusion that he had drowned in the sea near Blackpool, leaving his clothing and a suicide note on the beach as part of his elaborate ruse. This act of deception was intended to throw authorities and the public off his trail, allowing him to escape detection and accountability.

Following this staged suicide, Andrews fled to Hornsea, where he adopted the alias Christopher Trent. For six years, he managed to live under this false identity, hiding from law enforcement and the community. His secret life continued until he was eventually apprehended in West Yorkshire for a minor offence, which led to his true identity being uncovered.

His arrest marked the end of his eight-year period on the run. The case against him was brought to trial at Preston Crown Court, where a jury found him guilty of 14 counts of indecent assault. The victim, now an adult, provided testimony via videolink, describing her ordeal and asserting her belief in his guilt. She stated, “He knows and I know he’s guilty. He’s not man enough to deal with his guilt just like he wasn’t man enough and did a Reggie Perrin.”

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Norman Wright condemned Andrews’ actions and his attempts to evade justice. He remarked, “When these matters came to light, you decided you were not going to face the music. You disappeared and acted out an elaborate charade around Blackpool beach to put people off the scent.” The judge highlighted the vulnerability of Andrews’ young victim, emphasizing that she was unaware of what was happening but sensed that something was wrong. He described her as Andrews’ “sexual plaything for some five years or so,” and stressed that he must now face the consequences of his actions.

Judge Wright also pointed out the disturbing aspects of Andrews’ behaviour, noting his controlling, manipulative, and predatory tendencies. He explained that Andrews became more emboldened after the victim initially expressed concerns about inappropriate conduct, such as a kiss, but chose not to pursue the matter at that time. The judge concluded by stating, “This was a shot across the bows, but you were emboldened and you thought you could get away with it.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked abuse and the importance of justice for victims.