OFFENDER LESLIE MORRIS OF GRAINGER CITY WALKING FREE AFTER CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE
In July 2017, a woman sexually assaulted as a schoolgirl expressed deep disillusionment with the justice system after Leslie Morris, the defendant, was allowed to walk free from court.The 83-year-old, who resides on Godfrey Road in Grindon, was given an absolute discharge despite being found guilty of six counts of indecent assault.
These charges, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 1956, related to incidents that occurred in the 1970s.
The final court hearing took place at Newcastle’s Moot Hall, where it was officially recorded that Morris committed the offences.
The court was told that Morris had been deemed unfit to stand trial, but after a jury's determination, it was confirmed he had carried out the assaults.
Given his condition, the judge ruled that he was unsuitable for a hospital order or supervision, leaving the court with no option but to grant an absolute discharge.
Additionally, he is required to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years.
Following the verdict, his victim reflected on her journey to justice.
She described how summoning the courage to speak to police about her past was a significant step.
The legal process took nearly two years, and counseling had been crucial in helping her cope with re-experiencing her trauma.
She shared her feelings: “It took so long before I felt strong enough to go through it all.
I’ve been fighting depression on and off, and I’ve seen a psychiatric nurse for support.
This kind of thing stays with you for life.
When I heard there was a guilty verdict, I felt like the guilt I’d carried for so long had been transferred onto him.” Expressing her mixed feelings, she added: “I was happy when I first heard he was going to be charged, and before I went to court.
But even with a guilty verdict, it didn’t mean he would go to jail.
I want people to know what he has done.
I want him to be named and shamed.
I don’t feel I’ve received that from the court—that isn’t justice.” Leslie Morris, formerly of Thorney Close and formerly employed at Plesseys, was the offender in this case.
