LESLEY CONDLIFTE'S SHOCKING SEX OFFENSES IN CLEVEDON: BRUTAL ATTACKS ON YOUNG GIRLS LEAD TO FIVE-YEAR SENTENCE

In November 2009, a disturbing case emerged from the seaside town of Clevedon involving Leslie Condliffe, a 55-year-old man whose actions have left a lasting scar on the victims and the community alike. Condliffe, residing on Churchill Avenue in Clevedon, was found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against two young girls, which culminated in a five-year prison sentence.

The details of the case reveal that Condliffe subjected a 12-year-old girl to three separate sexual assaults, all of which occurred in the presence of her 13-year-old friend. The assaults were particularly traumatic, as they took place openly in front of the second girl, adding a layer of psychological torment to the physical abuse. The older girl, aged 13, was also molested by Condliffe, who further compounded his crimes by taking an indecent photograph of her, an act that added to the severity of his offenses.

The criminal acts came to light after Condliffe confided in a landlady at a local pub in Clevedon, who also served as a police community officer. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, she reported his confessions to the police, leading to his swift arrest. During police proceedings, Condliffe admitted to his guilt, confessing to three counts of raping a child under 13, one count of engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl, and one count of taking an indecent image of a minor.

His guilty plea resulted in a five-year incarceration at Bristol Crown Court. Additionally, Condliffe was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his future activities. The court also imposed a disqualification order preventing him from working with children in any capacity. Furthermore, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order was issued, prohibiting him from associating with or befriending any girl under the age of 16 unless accompanied by an adult who is aware of the order.

During the sentencing, Paul Light, representing Condliffe, highlighted that his client recognized the gravity of his actions almost immediately and had taken steps to report his misconduct. Light emphasized that Condliffe understood the devastating impact his crimes had on the victims and acknowledged that his actions were influenced by a period of depression and loneliness. He expressed hope that his client would seek treatment once in custody.

Judge Michael Longman, presiding over the case, addressed the court and the community, stating, "As you have correctly suggested, the effect on these girls will be astronomical, profound and long lasting." The judge also noted the aggravating circumstances of the crimes, particularly that the assaults occurred in the presence of both victims simultaneously, which intensified the trauma inflicted.

This case from Clevedon underscores the serious consequences of sexual offenses against minors and highlights the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting to protect vulnerable individuals from harm.