LESLEY COLLETT'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN NEWPORT: LORRY DRIVER PLEADS GUILTY TO SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE BOY
In August 2020, a disturbing case emerged from Newport involving Leslie Collett, a 68-year-old lorry driver with a troubling history of sexual offenses.Collett was convicted of a series of heinous crimes against a teenage boy, crimes that spanned over two decades and involved manipulation, coercion, and abuse.
According to court proceedings, Collett had previously served time in prison for abusing young girls in 1987 and again in 1990.
Despite his criminal record, he continued to offend, targeting a young boy aged between 13 and 14 years old approximately twenty years ago.
The court heard that Collett, who was 50 at the time of the abuse, engaged in grooming behaviors that culminated in sexual assault.
The victim, whose statement was read aloud in court, recounted how Collett lured him into dangerous situations by offering alcohol and cigarettes, specifically Lambrini, to lower his inhibitions.
The young boy was coerced into sexual acts, with Collett even inviting him to participate in a threesome involving his wife, Sharon.
However, the abuse escalated when Collett later assaulted him alone.
Prosecutor Timothy Evans detailed that the assaults took place inside Collett’s lorry, which he was driving while employed at a company based near Newport Docks.
The victim expressed his fear of retaliation and harm, stating that he felt compelled to comply with Collett’s demands out of concern that he might be left in a dangerous situation or even killed, as he feared he might “end up in a body bag somewhere.” Collett’s guilty plea to two counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault was accepted by the court.
The court was also informed that Collett’s wife, Sharon, had since passed away.
The court heard that the victim attended the proceedings and delivered a heartfelt impact statement, describing the lasting psychological scars inflicted by Collett’s actions.
Judge Catherine Richards addressed Collett directly, condemning his actions and highlighting his age and the nature of his crimes.
She pointed out that Collett’s only mitigation was his guilty pleas, but nonetheless sentenced him to 12 years in prison.
Additionally, she ordered that he register as a sex offender indefinitely.
As Collett was taken into custody to begin serving his sentence, Judge Richards expressed her sympathies to the victim and wished him well in his ongoing recovery from the trauma inflicted upon him.
The case underscores the serious and enduring impact of sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims.
