Derby Man Thomas Leech Pleads Guilty to Terror and Child Abuse Charges
Thomas Leech from Derby Drive, Preston, has admitted to seven serious offences, including terrorism-related charges and possession of indecent images of children.
Terrorism and Hate Crime Charges
Leech pleaded guilty to three counts under the Terrorism Act 2006 for publishing statements that encouraged or instigated acts of terrorism. Additionally, he admitted to four offences outside terrorism laws:
- Publishing threatening or abusive material intended to stir up racial hatred.
- Publishing threatening material aimed at stirring up religious hatred.
- Making 211 indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child.
- Making 4 indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child.
Harsh Sentence at Manchester Crown Court
At Manchester Crown Court, Leech was sentenced to prison and handed a 12-month extended licence period after his release. He faces 10 years on the sex offenders register, a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and a decade-long notification under the Terrorism Act 2008.
How Police Caught Him
On 28 February 2020, police received a report about hateful, racist online posts supporting extreme right-wing views linked to Leech. Counter Terrorism Policing North West, alongside Counter Terrorism Command, identified and arrested him in November 2020.
Despite being released on bail, Leech continued posting hateful material online. Later digital device examinations uncovered indecent images of children, which led to a second arrest in February 2021. He admitted guilt to all charges in December 2021.
