Leon Blake

Leon Blake, a 59-year-old man from Sapcote, Leicestershire, was convicted at Leicester Crown Court of multiple sexual assault offences against a young girl who was under 13 at the time. The case, investigated by Leicestershire Police's Child Abuse Investigation Unit, highlighted the courage of the victim in coming forward, which ultimately led to Blake's downfall.

The offences occurred prior to February 2020, when Blake was arrested following a report made by the victim's mother. The girl had confided in her mum about the assaults, prompting the family to contact the police. Blake, residing at Tuckey Close in Sapcote, was charged in March 2021 after a thorough investigation that included specialist interviews with the young victim to ensure her comfort and support throughout the process.

On 12 February 2026, Blake was found guilty of three counts of assaulting the girl by touching. He was sentenced to six and a half years' imprisonment, marking a significant outcome for the victim and her family. Detective Constable Ritik Devji, the officer in the case, commended the bravery of both the girl and her mother, stating, '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.'

The investigation provided ongoing support to the victim and her family, ensuring that the right actions were taken to secure justice. This case underscores the importance of reporting sexual offences, as the family's decision to involve the authorities resulted in the conviction of a sexual offender.