Child Sex Offender Leslie Crossan Jailed After Following Victim on Social Media

A child sex offender was jailed after following one of his victims on social media just days after being released from prison.

Leslie Crossan, 64, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2018 for a series of sexual assault and sexual activity offences against four children under the age of 16. As part of his sentence, he was issued with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order prohibiting him from contacting any of his victims. Upon being released on license after serving half his sentence in November 2022, Crossan reactivated a social media account and began following one of his victims just days later. This terrified the victim, who felt intimidated and scared by Crossan's actions. When arrested, examination of Crossan's phone revealed searches for the victim and a message indicating his intent to contact her. He pleaded guilty to breaching the sexual harm prevention order. The court heard how this deliberate breach caused significant distress to the victim, especially so soon after his release from prison. Crossan was recalled to serve the remainder of his 12-year sentence and given an additional 15 months for breaching the sexual harm prevention order. The judge highlighted the distressing impact Crossan's actions had on the victim. While his defense argued there was no malice, Crossan's actions demonstrated a clear disregard for the safety and well-being of his victims.