LESLEY BENNETT'S SENTENCE REDUCED IN BLACKBURN: SHOCKING SEX OFFENDER CASE
| Red Rose Database
Blackburn Rapist
In a significant development in the case of Leslie Bennett, a convicted paedophile from Blackburn, his prison sentence has been reduced following an appeal, despite the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risks he poses to the public.
Leslie David Bennett, aged 65, of Ottershaw Gardens in Blackburn, was originally sentenced to an indefinite period of imprisonment for public protection (IPP) at Preston Crown Court last July. The court heard that Bennett had committed heinous acts involving four young girls, whom he sexually abused over a period of time. During the trial, it was revealed that Bennett often used substances such as cannabis, alcohol, and cigarettes to manipulate and control his victims, making them more compliant with his demands.
The judge at the time described Bennett’s actions as casting a “dreadful shadow” over the lives of the victims, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. As a result, Bennett was ordered to serve a minimum term of eight years in prison before he could be considered for parole. This sentence reflected the gravity of his offences, which included rape and multiple sexual assaults.
However, this initial sentence was challenged, and during a hearing this week, the Court of Appeal in London decided to reduce Bennett’s minimum term by one year, setting it at seven years. The legal representatives for Bennett did not contest the fact that he remains a significant risk to the public. They acknowledged his dangerousness and did not oppose the continuation of his IPP status, which means he will not be eligible for release until the Parole Board determines it is safe to do so.
The appeal court’s decision to lower the minimum term was influenced by a recent psychiatric assessment. The report diagnosed Bennett with a personality disorder and a condition described as “pseudo-neurotic paedophilia.” This diagnosis indicates that Bennett has a tendency to blame others and rationalize his actions, minimizing his responsibility for his crimes. Despite acknowledging his ongoing risk, the court considered these factors in their decision.
Judge James Wadsworth QC, presiding over the case alongside Lord Justice Aikens and Mrs Justice Slade, stated that Bennett remains a “dangerous offender” with a significant likelihood of reoffending in the future. The judge described Bennett’s criminal history as involving a “long and unpleasant category of offences,” underscoring the seriousness of his conduct.
Nevertheless, the court’s ruling allowed for the reduction of Bennett’s minimum sentence by one year. Despite this, he continues to be subject to lifelong registration as a sex offender and is prohibited from having any contact with individuals under the age of 16. These measures are intended to protect the community from any potential future harm caused by Bennett’s actions.
Leslie David Bennett, aged 65, of Ottershaw Gardens in Blackburn, was originally sentenced to an indefinite period of imprisonment for public protection (IPP) at Preston Crown Court last July. The court heard that Bennett had committed heinous acts involving four young girls, whom he sexually abused over a period of time. During the trial, it was revealed that Bennett often used substances such as cannabis, alcohol, and cigarettes to manipulate and control his victims, making them more compliant with his demands.
The judge at the time described Bennett’s actions as casting a “dreadful shadow” over the lives of the victims, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. As a result, Bennett was ordered to serve a minimum term of eight years in prison before he could be considered for parole. This sentence reflected the gravity of his offences, which included rape and multiple sexual assaults.
However, this initial sentence was challenged, and during a hearing this week, the Court of Appeal in London decided to reduce Bennett’s minimum term by one year, setting it at seven years. The legal representatives for Bennett did not contest the fact that he remains a significant risk to the public. They acknowledged his dangerousness and did not oppose the continuation of his IPP status, which means he will not be eligible for release until the Parole Board determines it is safe to do so.
The appeal court’s decision to lower the minimum term was influenced by a recent psychiatric assessment. The report diagnosed Bennett with a personality disorder and a condition described as “pseudo-neurotic paedophilia.” This diagnosis indicates that Bennett has a tendency to blame others and rationalize his actions, minimizing his responsibility for his crimes. Despite acknowledging his ongoing risk, the court considered these factors in their decision.
Judge James Wadsworth QC, presiding over the case alongside Lord Justice Aikens and Mrs Justice Slade, stated that Bennett remains a “dangerous offender” with a significant likelihood of reoffending in the future. The judge described Bennett’s criminal history as involving a “long and unpleasant category of offences,” underscoring the seriousness of his conduct.
Nevertheless, the court’s ruling allowed for the reduction of Bennett’s minimum sentence by one year. Despite this, he continues to be subject to lifelong registration as a sex offender and is prohibited from having any contact with individuals under the age of 16. These measures are intended to protect the community from any potential future harm caused by Bennett’s actions.