Bristol man jailed for raping child
Wayne Leigh from Bedminster went on the run after being arrested
A man from Bristol, who went on the run after being accused of raping a child, has been jailed.
Wayne Leigh, (35) from Somerset Terrace in Bedminster, has been sentenced at Bristol Crown Court today after a jury found him guilty of raping a child under 16 and perverting the course of justice.
He will serve a total of seven years and six months and will have to register as a sex offender for life.
Leigh was first arrested for the offences in April 2022, but then failed to answer his bail and disappeared in July.
He was eventually found nine days later living in a tent in the woods.
The court heard how, between January and February last year, the teenage victim was raped in a property in Bristol.
During the police investigation Leigh lied to officers about a piece of clothing of his that was used to link him to the crime and manipulated those around him to lie about his whereabouts.
Detective Sergeant Lucy Forde said: "We would like to commend the strength and bravery of the victim in coming forward.
"In her personal statement, the victim described how frightened she was of Leigh.
"He was much older than her and she thought he was not someone who would harm her.
"A dangerous offender is now behind bars because of the victim's courage in supporting the investigation.
"Leigh deliberately targets vulnerable children and adults and manipulates them for his own purpose.
"Hopefully, today's sentence will give people the courage to come forward and to gain justice."
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, there are all sorts of support services available via this link.
You can also self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7, 365 days a year by clicking here or ringing 0117 342 6999.