WILLIAM LEEDER FROM TORQUAY CONVICTED FOR FAILING TO DISCLOSE PAST CRIMES IN NEWTON ABBOT

In a case that has raised concerns about transparency and safety, William Leeder, a known sex offender residing in Torquay, was found guilty of failing to disclose his criminal history to a new partner in Newton Abbot. Leeder, who is on the sex offenders’ register for life due to his heinous crimes committed as a juvenile, received a suspended sentence after admitting to multiple breaches of the registration conditions.

William Leeder, now 36 years old and living on Hele Road in Torquay, had previously been convicted of serious sexual offenses committed when he was only 16 years old. His crimes involved the rape of two young girls, aged eight and 12. Following his conviction, he was sentenced to four years in a detention centre in 2000. Since his release, Leeder had maintained a clean record, with no further offenses reported until recent events that led to his conviction.

The incident that brought Leeder back into the spotlight involved his relationship with a single mother from Newton Abbot. The woman, who has children aged four and five, entered into a relationship with Leeder without being fully aware of his criminal past. Despite the legal obligations to disclose such information, Leeder failed to inform her about his previous convictions. This omission was a breach of the terms set out in his registration order.

The breaches became evident when Leeder was found to have spent nights at the woman’s home and even went on holiday to Butlins with her and her children. These actions directly contravened the conditions of his registration, which restricts his contact with minors and his movement in certain circumstances. The court heard that Leeder had committed five breaches of the registration order.

At Exeter Crown Court, Judge Erik Salomonsen sentenced Leeder to six months in jail, but the sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, Leeder was ordered to participate in 20 days of rehabilitation activities aimed at addressing his behavior and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. The court’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the ongoing monitoring of sex offenders, even those who have served their initial sentences and maintained periods of good conduct.