Saltney child rapist jailed for 12 years

A man from Saltney who raped a child has been jailed for 12 years today at Mold Crown Court.

Michael Philip Leaberry, 36, was initially arrested and bailed in 2015.

Leaberry failed to return to Flintshire for a bail appointment prompting a nationwide manhunt.

He was arrested in Bournemouth in February after nearly 18 months on the run.

A member of the public tipped police off following a Crimewatch appeal.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Ange Nicklin said;

Michael Phillip Leaberry came into contact with his young victims family when he moved to North Wales.

He gained their trust and went on to abuse that friendship in the most appalling manner by sexually abusing their young child.

After his initial arrest, he failed to answer his bail and attempted to evade justice by going on the run for almost 18 months.

North Wales Police continued to actively pursue him and he was located and re arrested in February 2017.”

I would like to thank the family for their patience and cooperation with this investigation.

I also hope that this case and the length of Leaberry’s sentence sends a clear message to those involved in the abuse of children that your activities will be discovered, you will be arrested and you will be brought to justice.