THOMAS LEOPOLD FLEEING HAMMERSMITH AND IRELAND IN RADIATION-ESCAPED CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE

In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves through both the local community and law enforcement agencies, Thomas Leopold, a college principal with ties to Hammersmith and now believed to be in Ireland, has become the subject of a nationwide manhunt. Leopold, aged 43 at the time, was initially detained on serious charges related to child pornography but managed to evade custody, prompting authorities to issue a warrant for his arrest and warnings about his potential danger to the public.

Leopold was the head of The Tutors Group, a private educational institution based in Hammersmith, West London. His background includes a Harrow education and a degree in genetics from Edinburgh University, along with a master's in psychology. Before establishing his own college, he worked as a financier with Barclays de Zoete Wedd. His career in education began in 1993 when he founded The Tutors Group at Blythe Hall School, which grew to employ over 600 staff and serve more than 3,000 students, ranging from infants to A-level candidates.

The criminal proceedings against Leopold date back to 2006, when he was first arrested on charges of making indecent images of children. He faced five counts related to downloading such images, with the allegations dating back to 2006. Despite the gravity of these charges, Leopold was released on bail but failed to appear in court as scheduled. His absence led to a warrant being issued for his arrest, and he was subsequently fined £250 for failing to attend court. The case was initially scheduled for October 2006 but was delayed due to his ill health, which was later linked to treatment for a thyroid condition.

Leopold’s health issues became a significant factor in his legal saga. In early 2009, he underwent large doses of radioactive iodine therapy to treat his overactive thyroid. This treatment, administered around February 3, 2009, involved radioactive substances that could pose health risks for up to six weeks afterward. Doctors warned that his radioactivity level could be dangerous, and police were alerted to handle the situation with caution. The judge in the case, John Price, even issued a warning that Leopold might be radioactive upon arrest, emphasizing the potential danger he posed to anyone he might come into contact with.

Despite these warnings, Leopold attempted to travel from the UK to Ireland. On February 5, 2009, he was intercepted by Special Branch officers at Fishguard, Wales, as he was boarding a ferry to Rosslare. When questioned, Leopold presented his radiation card and claimed that his bail conditions had been varied to permit him to visit his mother in Ireland. The officers, after verifying his documentation, released him, but he has not been seen since that encounter.

The authorities' concern escalated when Leopold failed to appear at his scheduled trial on February 9, 2009. It is believed that just days before, he had received radioactive iodine treatment, which travels through the bloodstream and can be passed through bodily fluids such as urine, saliva, and sweat. The prosecution’s case revealed that Leopold had told officers he would return within a week, but no further contact was made. His defense argued that his health was fragile, and he was in 'chronic poor health,' which contributed to his decision to leave the UK.

Leopold’s background is marked by a history of legal issues and health challenges. His initial arrest in July 2006 was followed by his failure to appear in court, leading to a conviction and a fine. His case was delayed multiple times due to his health, which was linked to his thyroid treatment. Despite these setbacks, he managed to evade law enforcement and escape to Ireland, where he remains at large. The police continue to investigate his whereabouts, and the case remains open with a focus on ensuring public safety and bringing him to justice for the serious charges he faces.