MICHAEL LEABERRY FROM SALTNEY CAUGHT IN BOURNEMOUTH AFTER 16 MONTHS ON THE RUN, JAILED FOR CHILD RAPE IN FLINTSHIRE

In May 2017, a disturbing case unfolded involving Michael Leaberry, a man from Saltney in Flintshire, who was convicted of heinous child sexual offenses and subsequently sentenced to a lengthy prison term. The case drew widespread attention due to Leaberry’s prolonged period of evasion from law enforcement and the serious nature of his crimes.

Leaberry, aged 36 at the time, was initially detained and released on bail following his arrest. However, he failed to appear for further questioning, prompting authorities to launch an extensive manhunt. The police, determined to locate him, issued a public appeal for information, which included a feature on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme, aiming to reach a broad audience across the UK.

After months of searching, a crucial tip from a member of the public led to his arrest in Bournemouth in February. It was revealed that Leaberry had managed to deceive authorities by claiming he was a victim of modern slavery. Under the false identity of Michael Kemp, he was granted accommodation in Grosvenor Gardens, where he claimed he had fled to the seaside resort for his own safety. This deception allowed him to evade capture for over a year and a half.

The truth, however, was far more sinister. Leaberry, a former garage worker, was wanted in connection with child rape offenses in North Wales. The charges stemmed from allegations that he had sexually assaulted a girl under the age of 10, specifically involving oral rape. His flight from justice began after initial police questioning, which he failed to attend, raising suspicions and prompting the police to intensify their efforts to find him.

During the court proceedings at Mold Crown Court, Judge Rhys Rowlands addressed the gravity of his crimes and the impact on the victim and her family. She emphasized that Leaberry’s decision to run only compounded the trauma inflicted upon the young girl, who had trusted him enough to allow him to babysit her. The judge also ordered Leaberry to register as a sex offender for life and imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order to prevent any future harm.

Leaberry pleaded guilty to charges of oral rape, sexual assault, and incitement. The court heard that he had manipulated a couple who rarely went out, convincing them to let him babysit the girl by falsely claiming to be an au pair, a nanny, and a carer for the elderly. The young girl later confided in her mother, revealing that Leaberry had tried to coerce her into touching his private parts and had touched her himself. Despite her protests, he persisted with his inappropriate behavior.

The victim’s mother provided a poignant victim impact statement, describing the emotional toll that Leaberry’s disappearance and subsequent arrest had taken on their family. The court was told that Leaberry had been at large from September 2015 until his arrest in early 2017, a period during which the family endured significant distress.

Prosecutor Simon Rogers highlighted that Leaberry, who had no prior criminal record, was considered a high risk to children. Initially denying six offenses, Leaberry later admitted to three, with the remaining charges still on file. His flight from justice and the deception he employed underscored the severity of his actions and the danger he posed.

In sentencing, the court made it clear that Leaberry’s actions were profoundly shocking, especially given the vulnerability of his young victim. The judge’s verdict reflected the seriousness of the crimes and the need to protect children from individuals like him, ensuring he would be monitored closely for the foreseeable future.