LESLEY JENKINS FROM ERDINGTON SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN BIRMINGHAM

In a case that has left a lasting scar on the victim's life, Leslie Jenkins, a man previously residing on Slade Road in Erdington, was sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the abuse of young girls. The sentencing took place at Birmingham Crown Court, where the court heard disturbing details about Jenkins' long history of sexual offenses and the profound impact his actions have had on his victims.

One woman, who was just 10 years old when Jenkins began abusing her, bravely came forward to speak about her ordeal. She revealed that Jenkins, who was 30 years her senior, had been a trusted family friend and a figure she considered like a second father. During her childhood, Jenkins would buy her clothes and gifts, acts that seemed caring at the time but masked his sinister intentions. She recounted sitting in school, believing she had a boyfriend in his late 30s, unaware of the true nature of his affection.

The woman described how Jenkins' abuse continued until she was 12, leaving her with deep emotional scars. Her life was profoundly affected; she left school before completing her GCSEs and struggled to establish meaningful relationships later in life. Her struggles with intimacy and her emotional well-being persisted for years.

It was only two years ago, with her husband's support, that she decided to report Jenkins to the police. Her motivation was driven by a desire to protect her own children, especially as she was pregnant with her second son at the time. She recounted how Jenkins would sometimes suggest they run away together, claiming he cared for her too much to do so. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed gratitude for surviving and emphasized the lasting trauma inflicted by Jenkins.

Jenkins, aged 58 at the time of sentencing, admitted to four charges, including indecent assault, attempted rape, and rape. His criminal history is extensive, with previous convictions dating back to 1973 and 1980 for similar offenses involving young girls. He also admitted to abusing two other young girls in the past.

During the court proceedings, Judge Elizabeth Fisher condemned Jenkins for betraying the trust of his victims, stating, “You breached the trust your victims had in you and that is something they will never forget. It is clear you had been grooming these victims.” As part of his sentence, Jenkins was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure intended to monitor and prevent further offenses.

The court also noted that Jenkins had previously been convicted of indecent assault on two eight-year-old girls and a ten-year-old girl, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior spanning decades. The case has once again brought to light the devastating effects of child abuse and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children in communities like Erdington and Birmingham.