LESLEY SHORT FROM GATESHEAD SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CHILD MOLESTATION AND INDECENT IMAGES

In September 2015, Leslie Short, a 59-year-old resident of Gateshead, was handed a severe prison sentence of 12 years after being found guilty of multiple heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls and the possession of a vast collection of indecent images. The court's verdict came after a detailed investigation uncovered disturbing evidence of his criminal activities spanning over ten years.

Short's criminal conduct included the molestation of two young girls, with one of the assaults reportedly occurring when the victim was still under the age of 12. The abuse was not a one-time event but a series of violations that took place over an extended period, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior. The authorities revealed that the abuse was documented through images and videos stored on his computer, some of which were recorded by Short himself, capturing moments of the abuse inflicted upon his victims.

During the trial, law enforcement officials presented evidence that included over 12,000 indecent images, a significant portion of which contained videos. These images depicted various acts of abuse, and some footage was directly linked to one of the victims, further implicating Short in the criminal acts. The police investigation was thorough, leading to the discovery of these illicit materials and establishing a clear link between Short and the abuse.

In addition to his prison sentence, the court mandated that Short be placed on the sex offender register for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities post-release. He was also barred from working with children in any capacity, aiming to prevent any future harm. Furthermore, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed, restricting his access to certain online content and contact with minors.

Throughout the proceedings, Short’s defense team acknowledged his actions, describing him as a man filled with regret. Despite this, the court emphasized the severity of his crimes and the need for strict punishment and ongoing supervision to protect the community, especially vulnerable children in Gateshead and beyond.