PHILLIP LEECE FROM CHADDERTON SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN GREATER MANCHESTER PARK

In March 2021, a disturbing incident unfolded in Chadderton, a town near Oldham in Greater Manchester, involving a young woman who was targeted and assaulted by a man posing as a Good Samaritan. The victim, a 26-year-old bride-to-be, had just finished a night out with friends and was attempting to make her way home when she encountered Phillip Leece, a 32-year-old man from Chadderton.

Leece, who initially appeared to offer assistance, approached the woman in a state of apparent concern. He then guided her through a nearby woodland area, claiming he was helping her because she was visibly intoxicated and vulnerable. However, instead of providing genuine aid, Leece subjected her to a violent sexual assault, taking advantage of her impaired state and the darkness of the early morning hours.

Following the attack, police launched an investigation that quickly identified Leece as their prime suspect. CCTV footage from the area was instrumental in linking him to the crime. During the investigation, Leece’s social media activity came under scrutiny. It was revealed that he had posted publicly on Facebook, where he not only identified the victim by name but also made disparaging remarks about her weight. In a series of offensive and foul-mouthed posts, Leece boasted about his own intelligence, claimed he had not committed any rape, and expressed his personal distaste for overweight individuals.

Leece’s posts included shocking comments such as, “I have raped no one. A big point for me is I hate fat,” and “Fat is not something that I am attracted to. I have thrown up after sleeping with fat people. I am disgusted by it, it doesn’t do it for me, that’s my sexual preference.” These comments caused significant distress to the victim, who has since married her fiancé. She testified in court that the trauma from the attack and Leece’s subsequent social media posts led her to self-harm and left her feeling unworthy of self-care.

She described her emotional suffering, stating, “His words have left me feeling like I am not worthy of looking after myself.” She also expressed her fear that the Facebook posts, which included her name and derogatory comments about her weight, might lead others to doubt her account of the assault. The victim revealed that she even thought about the attack during her wedding ceremony and now experiences discomfort around men in general.

During the court proceedings at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, Leece admitted to the charge of rape. The court heard that he had deliberately targeted the woman after seeing her struggling to walk home at around 5 am following her night out. Prosecutor Alaric Bassano described how Leece exploited her vulnerable state, pursuing her into the park and pretending to be a helpful stranger in her moment of distress.

Leece’s arrest was followed by claims of memory loss, which he cited to police. However, his social media activity and the evidence presented in court painted a different picture. As a result of his actions, Leece was sentenced to 11 years in prison for the rape. Additionally, he was fined for publicly naming the victim on social media during a previous court hearing.

Upon his release from prison, Leece will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Judge Recorder Nick Clarke QC addressed the court, emphasizing the severity of Leece’s misogynistic views and the danger he poses. The judge stated, “Your misogynistic views are deep rooted. You will struggle to develop healthy relationships. I have no hesitation in finding you are dangerous.” The case highlights the importance of accountability and the ongoing impact of such crimes on victims, especially in communities like Chadderton and the wider Greater Manchester area.