Former Special Constable Jailed for 15 Years for Sex Offences

John Patrick Leadbetter, 64, a former Special Constable in Aberystwyth, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of attempted rape, sexual assault, and inciting an underage girl to engage in sexual activity.

Leadbetter, who is understood to have served in Aberystwyth for several years and also lived near Llanybydder, was found guilty following a trial at Swansea Crown Court. The offences took place in the Aberystwyth area.

Leadbetter initially appeared in Aberystwyth Magistrates Court in December 2016 facing 20 charges, some dating back over 10 years. He was charged with seven counts of sexual assault, seven counts of inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, four counts of attempted rape, and two counts of rape.

At Swansea Crown Court, Leadbetter was convicted of four counts of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, four counts of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13, and three counts of attempted rape. The jury could not reach a verdict on seven other charges.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison with a further year of extended licence. An additional five-year sentence was imposed to run consecutively.