MARTIN LEONARD FROM LONDONDERRY JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF HIS WIFE'S SISTERS
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Londonderry, Martin Leonard, a 58-year-old former bartender, has been sentenced to a total of 18 months in prison following his conviction for the sexual abuse of two young women who are his wife’s sisters.The crimes, which spanned over three decades, involved multiple instances of indecent assault committed against the two victims when they were between the ages of 12 and 16.
The assaults occurred at various locations, primarily in Leonard’s car and within the confines of the victims’ family home.
The incidents took place during two distinct periods: one sister was assaulted between 1977 and 1981, while the other was victimized between 1985 and 1989.
The court heard that Leonard’s actions were carried out over a prolonged period, highlighting a disturbing pattern of abuse.
Following a thorough trial, Leonard was found unanimously guilty in May of seven charges related to indecent assault.
In a move that underscores the severity of the case, the victims chose to waive their rights to anonymity last week, allowing their names to be publicly disclosed.
This decision was made to ensure transparency and to bring awareness to the case.
As part of his sentence, Leonard will serve six months in prison, followed by a 12-month period of probation.
Additionally, he has been legally barred from working with children and vulnerable adults for the next ten years, a measure aimed at preventing any future harm.
Judge Elizabeth McCaffrey delivered her verdict, expressing concern over a particular incident in 1987.
She recounted that one of the sisters, along with a friend, had reported the abuse to their parish priest at White Chapel.
The judge criticized the priest’s response, stating that he advised the girl to keep quiet to avoid disrupting the family, which she described as “rather concerning.” After the sentencing, one of the victims spoke out about the ordeal, describing the trial process as “horrendous.” She revealed her shock upon discovering that the priest, who dismissed her concerns, was actually providing marriage counseling to her sister and Leonard at the time.
She expressed her feelings of betrayal, saying, “I found the priest very dismissive and he said, did I realize I would be breaking up the family.
I found that weird.”
