Serial sexual offender convicted for new offences after fourth victim comes forward
- LM News
- 59 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A woman who was sexually abused as a child has helped convict a serial sex offender of further offences after seeing news of his other crimes.
Leon Bowes was already serving life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years behind bars after being convicted on 20 November 2024 of 25 offences against three women.
Yesterday (Thursday 16 July), at Leicester Crown Court, he was found guilty of a further four sex offences against another victim – who was 12 and 13 at the time of the offending.
He has been ordered to serve another four years – taking his minimum term in prison from 17 years to 21 years.
The victim, who is now in her 30s, contacted police on 21 November 2024 after reading the news of Bowes’ conviction on Leicestershire Police’s Facebook page.
She reported knowing Bowes during 2007 and 2008 and during that time they had engaged in sexual activity on multiple occasions.
At the time Bowes was 17 and 18 and was aware the victim was under the age of consent.
Following a thorough investigation of the new offences, Bowes was charged with two counts of rape of a girl under 13, and two counts of sexual activity with a child. He has been found guilty of all four offences.
DC Josh Evans, from the force’s specialist rape and sexual assault team, is the officer in the case.
He said: “This case highlights the significant impact that media coverage and public appeals can have in encouraging victims and survivors to come forward, even many years after abuse has taken place.
“The victim in this case told me she came forward after seeing our reporting of Bowes’ crimes against the other women.
“She had never disclosed what had happened to her as a child but seeing other women had made reports and recognising her own experiences in the coverage of the case, it gave her the courage to call police.
“By reporting what had happened to her we were able to investigate the further offences and present that evidence before the courts.
“Although Bowes is already in prison, it was vital we did everything we could to ensure this victim got the justice she deserves.
“I want to thank her for having the confidence to tell us about what happened to her nearly 20 years ago. Even though at the time she did not see that Bowes’ actions were wrong, she now realises he took advantage of her as a young vulnerable girl and groomed her for his own sexual gratification.
“I hope this conviction will help encourage any further victims of Bowes to come forward or any victims of sexual assault. No matter how much time has passed, we are here to listen to you and to help and support you.”
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Leicestershire Police News - Published: 12:48 17/07/2026