UXBRIDGE PAEDOPHILE ROGER LEADBITTER FOUND DEAD BEFORE SENTENCING

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Uxbridge, a man accused of engaging in heinous online predatory behavior was discovered dead just days before he was scheduled to face sentencing in court. Roger Leadbitter, aged 61, was involved in a series of disturbing online interactions where he believed he was communicating with underage girls. Unbeknownst to him, he was actually messaging an undercover officer from the Metropolitan Police, who had set up a sting operation to catch individuals attempting to exploit minors.

The police investigation revealed that Leadbitter had initiated contact with four different online accounts, all of which he believed belonged to young girls. In reality, these accounts were controlled by law enforcement officers working undercover. During these interactions, Leadbitter sent explicit images, including photographs of his erect penis, and made sexual advances. One particularly alarming incident involved him contacting what he thought was a 12-year-old girl, to whom he sent explicit images and asked her to perform a sex act.

Further conversations with other accounts revealed similar disturbing behavior. Leadbitter sent explicit images to three additional profiles, all of which he believed belonged to minors. He also engaged in suggestive discussions about oral sex and inquired about how they masturbated, indicating a clear intent to exploit underage girls.

In one conversation, Leadbitter repeatedly asked a profile he believed was a girl under 16 whether she had ever touched a penis, demonstrating his predatory mindset. His actions led to his arrest as part of a carefully coordinated police operation. He subsequently pleaded guilty to four charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

However, the case took a tragic turn when, during his scheduled sentencing hearing on Friday, May 20, at Isleworth Crown Court, it was announced that Leadbitter had died. The court was informed that he passed away on April 30. The presiding judge, Patricia Lees, stated that she was satisfied the coroner’s letter confirmed his death, and therefore, the court would not proceed with sentencing. The cause of his death remains unknown at this time, and the matter is now under investigation by the West London Coroner’s Office.

This case highlights the ongoing dangers posed by online predators and the importance of law enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable minors from exploitation. The community of Uxbridge is left to grapple with the implications of this case, which underscores the tragic consequences that can arise from such heinous behavior.