THOMAS LEEDHAM FROM HEREFORD AND WORCESTER: DANGEROUS PEDOPHILE STRIKES AGAIN IN WORCESTER
| Red Rose Database
Worcester Hereford Rapist
In April 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Thomas Leedham, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, who once again found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation in Worcester. The case revealed that Leedham, aged 24 and residing on Ombersley Road in Worcester, had engaged in grooming a young girl via the social media platform Snapchat, which is known for its temporary photo and video sharing features.
According to court proceedings, Leedham initiated contact with the 12-year-old girl through Snapchat, sending her messages and 'snaps'—images or videos that are only accessible for a limited time to online friends. During their online interactions, he explicitly asked her to perform a sexual act upon him, a request that underscores the predatory nature of his conduct.
This disturbing incident took place between March 10 and March 12 of that year, and Leedham was formally charged with attempting to facilitate a child sexual offense. His actions directly violated a sexual offences prevention order that had been imposed on him on August 19, 2013, following a previous conviction. The order was meant to restrict his contact with minors and prevent further offenses, but Leedham breached these restrictions by engaging with the young girl.
Leedham appeared in court via videolink from HMP Hewell, where he was held on remand. During the hearing, he admitted to the charges, acknowledging that he had attempted to arrange or facilitate a sexual offense involving a child under 16, specifically a 12-year-old girl. His breach of the sexual offences prevention order was also admitted, highlighting a pattern of disregard for legal restrictions.
Previously, in August 2013, Leedham had been sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of grooming a 12-year-old girl on the internet and subsequently raping her in a tent in his back garden. That case drew significant attention, with police praising the victim’s bravery for coming forward, which they said had helped prevent further abuse. Leedham, then 19, from Hunderton Road in Hereford, had also admitted to other serious charges, including child abduction, twice raping the young girl, assaulting her under the age of 13 by penetration, and making an indecent image of a child.
Following his conviction, Judge Toby Hooper QC ordered Leedham to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely, imposed a sexual offences prevention order, and banned him from working with children or vulnerable adults for life. The police emphasized that Leedham’s actions were calculated and predatory, targeting a vulnerable young victim after perceiving her as an easy target.
In the latest proceedings, prosecutor Christopher Lester highlighted the gravity of Leedham’s conduct, noting that the initial sentencing guidelines suggested a range of one to four years, but the presence of aggravating factors warranted a more serious consideration. The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report, with the final sentencing scheduled to occur in three weeks.
Leedham’s case underscores the ongoing dangers posed by individuals with a history of sexual offenses, especially those who breach court orders designed to protect minors. The authorities remain vigilant, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of monitoring and enforcing restrictions on offenders to prevent further harm to children in Hereford, Worcester, and beyond.
According to court proceedings, Leedham initiated contact with the 12-year-old girl through Snapchat, sending her messages and 'snaps'—images or videos that are only accessible for a limited time to online friends. During their online interactions, he explicitly asked her to perform a sexual act upon him, a request that underscores the predatory nature of his conduct.
This disturbing incident took place between March 10 and March 12 of that year, and Leedham was formally charged with attempting to facilitate a child sexual offense. His actions directly violated a sexual offences prevention order that had been imposed on him on August 19, 2013, following a previous conviction. The order was meant to restrict his contact with minors and prevent further offenses, but Leedham breached these restrictions by engaging with the young girl.
Leedham appeared in court via videolink from HMP Hewell, where he was held on remand. During the hearing, he admitted to the charges, acknowledging that he had attempted to arrange or facilitate a sexual offense involving a child under 16, specifically a 12-year-old girl. His breach of the sexual offences prevention order was also admitted, highlighting a pattern of disregard for legal restrictions.
Previously, in August 2013, Leedham had been sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of grooming a 12-year-old girl on the internet and subsequently raping her in a tent in his back garden. That case drew significant attention, with police praising the victim’s bravery for coming forward, which they said had helped prevent further abuse. Leedham, then 19, from Hunderton Road in Hereford, had also admitted to other serious charges, including child abduction, twice raping the young girl, assaulting her under the age of 13 by penetration, and making an indecent image of a child.
Following his conviction, Judge Toby Hooper QC ordered Leedham to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely, imposed a sexual offences prevention order, and banned him from working with children or vulnerable adults for life. The police emphasized that Leedham’s actions were calculated and predatory, targeting a vulnerable young victim after perceiving her as an easy target.
In the latest proceedings, prosecutor Christopher Lester highlighted the gravity of Leedham’s conduct, noting that the initial sentencing guidelines suggested a range of one to four years, but the presence of aggravating factors warranted a more serious consideration. The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report, with the final sentencing scheduled to occur in three weeks.
Leedham’s case underscores the ongoing dangers posed by individuals with a history of sexual offenses, especially those who breach court orders designed to protect minors. The authorities remain vigilant, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of monitoring and enforcing restrictions on offenders to prevent further harm to children in Hereford, Worcester, and beyond.