Man, 74, guilty of sex attacks on girls
ARETIRED carpet cleaner has been found guilty of historic sex offences against three young girls who have been praised for their ‘bravery’ in speaking out.
Leslie Wilkins Tucker, 74, formerly of Cloverdale Road, Macclesfield, had what the prosecution maintained was a ‘predilection for prepubescent girls’.
Chester Crown Court heard the offences followed a pattern and that they had all taken place in Macclesfield.
Mr Tucker, a retired carpet cleaner, watched proceedings from the dock with a hearing aid and carried an oxygen tank which was connected to his nose by tubes to aid his breathing.
Prosecuting, Myles Wilson, said: “It was a series of offences which followed a particular pattern.
“He was sexually attracted to pre pubescent girls with a predilection for touching them sexually.”
The court was shown video footage of one of the complainants being interviewed by police.
She said: “I didn’t know what to do. I was scared and upset and it was always in my head.
“He told me if I told anyone he would get someone to come round and hurt me.”
The jury found him guilty of sexual assault and indecent assault.
Tucker, now of Mallorie Road, Norton, Stokeon-Trent, was found not guilty of two further charges of indecent assault and the jury could not reach a verdict on two charges of indecent assault on a fourth complainant.
Leading children’s charity NSPCC said those reporting Tucker had shown justice could be served after such a long period.
A spokesperson said: “Tucker may have believed that he had successfully silenced the victims of his appalling crimes, but this case shows once again that abuse survivors can come forward and achieve justice, no matter how much time has passed. Their bravery in speaking out has helped ensure their attacker [has been convicted] and we hope they are finally receiving help and sup- port to recover from the abuse.”
Tucker will be sentenced on Friday, July 6 at Chester Crown Court.
Anyone with concerns about a child or about past abuse can call the NSPCC Helpline in confidence on 0808 8005000.