Locations
Bracklesham Close, Southampton, SO19
Description
A SERIAL sex offender who preyed on young girls has been jailed for 20 years.
Leslie West, 64, was locked up after being convicted of 15 sexual offences against children, including two counts of rape.
He was led from the dock at Southampton Crown Court with the words of Judge John Boggis QC ringing in his ears.
The judge told him: “At your trial you denied being a dirty old man but that’s exactly what you are – a disgusting, perverted, dirty old man.
“You are a danger to young girls because you won’t control yourself.”
The court heard that West, of Bracklesham Way, Sholing, Southampton, committed two sets of offences that were separated by a gap of 30 years.
Megan Topliss, for West, said the defendant was suffering from a raft of serious health problems, including angina and emphysema, but knew a prison sentence was inevitable.
She added: “My client recognises that a term of imprisonment is the only possible sentence and that it will be a long one.
“He was a man of previous good character.
Beyond that there is little I can say in the light of the jury’s verdicts.”
Miss Topliss said West was remanded in custody following his conviction last month and had begun to experience panic attacks.
She added: “He has become very depressed and is receiving medication.”
Sentencing West, Judge Boggis told him: “I’ve taken into account your age, the fact that you’re not a well man and the effect of a prison sentence on a person of your age.”
The defendant was jailed for ten years for each of the rapes. The two terms will run concurrently.
He was also handed prison sentences for the other 13 offences, which included indecency, sexual assault and causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and was jailed for a total of 20 years.