Leon Blake 59

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A police detective has spoken about the courage of a girl which has led to a man being convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault against her.

Leon Blake, 59, was sentenced to six and a half years imprisonment at Leicester Crown Court last Thursday (12 February) after being found guilty of three counts of assaulting the girl by touching.

The girl was under 13 at the time of the offences. The offences came to light following the girl confiding in her mum. The victim’s mum then contacted the police.

Blake, of Tuckey Close, Sapcote, was arrested in February 2020 following the report being made. A police investigation, carried out by the force’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, led to him being charged in March 2021.

During the investigation, continued support was provided to the victim and her family. This included specialist interviews with the young victim to help her feel as comfortable and as supported as possible.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Ritik Devji said:

“I know it took time and a lot of courage for the victim to speak with her mum about the offences and I know she understandably found it extremely difficult during the investigation. Equally, I know it must have been devastating for the victim’s mum to hear this and to then contact police.

“However, this courage and dignity of both the girl and her mum has ultimately led to a sexual offender being convicted in court and sentenced. I am extremely grateful to them for this. We have continued to provide support to the victim and her family throughout the investigation and court hearing to ensure the right action was taken.”