Pilot Jailed for Child Rape After Landing at Manchester Airport

A pilot was arrested and subsequently jailed after landing at Manchester Airport on Saturday, September 7, for the rape of a child.

Tevin McLeod, 28, was detained by police upon his arrival. The following day, he was charged with the rape and sexual assault of a child under 13. A mugshot released by West Midlands Police shows McLeod still in his pilot's uniform.

Police revealed that McLeod initially denied the offenses. However, Birmingham Crown Court heard he had sent messages to the victim acknowledging the abuse, desperate to prevent her from reporting the crimes. These messages highlighted his concern for his reputation, fearing the exposure of his actions and the consequences for his career as a pilot. He even admitted to the girl that his actions could lead to him losing his job and facing imprisonment due to her age.

McLeod, of no fixed address, later confessed to the rape and sexual assault. He was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison on Friday, November 8, and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order upon his release.

Det Con Stewart Garratt, from West Midlands Police's Birmingham Child Abuse Public Protection Team, praised the victim's bravery in coming forward. He stated: "For a child to speak out and report sexual abuse is a huge deal for them and I commend the bravery of this young girl for confiding in someone. "It's for these sorts of crimes involving children that we have a dedicated specialist department with officers specially trained to help young people through the judicial process. "I've no doubt that the voice of this child has stopped other children being targeted."