Two brothers from Bradford have been imprisoned for the rape of a vulnerable 12-year-old girl in a shocking case that saw one offender knowingly commit the abuse whilst HIV positive, resulting in the victim’s pregnancy.
Patrick Leonard, 23, was jailed for 24 years with an additional year on licence at Bradford Crown Court on 1 October, whilst his younger brother Lannee Ksigwa, 19, received 12 years’ detention in a young offender institution.
The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, became pregnant as a direct result of Leonard’s abuse. DNA tests subsequently confirmed that Leonard was the father of the child she later gave birth to, the court heard.
Leonard accepted he had raped the girl at a time when he knew he was HIV positive. Fortunately, medical tests confirmed the victim did not contract the disease despite the reckless exposure.
Ksigwa was 17 years old at the time he raped the teenager. He was convicted of two rape offences following a trial by jury, whilst Leonard admitted two rape offences before his trial began but was then found guilty of additional rape charges by the jury.
The brothers, both of Grosvenor Terrace in Bradford, appeared at their sentencing hearing via separate video links from custody. During proceedings, the court heard a recording of the victim’s impact statement, which was read by prosecutor Chloe Hudson.
In her emotional statement, the girl described feeling broken and traumatised by the abuse. She said the brothers had stolen her innocence and told them they should be ashamed of themselves.
Judge Andrew Hatton told Leonard his offending involved calculated grooming behaviour, and described his actions as remarkably reckless given his knowledge of his HIV status.
“You also acknowledge that you were forceful, controlling and sometimes violent towards her when raping her,” Judge Hatton told Leonard during sentencing.
The judge emphasised that both brothers bore equal responsibility for the severe psychological and physical harm inflicted upon their victim.
Detective Inspector Simon Howroyd of West Yorkshire Police condemned the brothers following their sentencing, describing them as dangerous sexual predators who had destroyed a young girl’s life.
“They took advantage of her for their own sexual gratification and both deserve to be behind bars for a long time,” Det Insp Howroyd stated.
He praised the victim’s bravery in navigating the complex judicial system and expressed hope that the sentences would provide some measure of justice.
Both defendants will be required to serve at least two-thirds of their sentences before being considered for release. However, Leonard will only be eligible for release after serving 16 years if the Parole Board determines it is safe to do so.
The brothers have been placed on the sex offenders register for life. Judge Hatton also imposed an indefinite restraining order prohibiting them from contacting the victim or others involved in the case.
Leonard was sentenced as an offender of particular concern, which includes the extended licence period of one year following his custodial sentence.
The case highlights the devastating impact of child sexual abuse on young victims and the lasting trauma such crimes inflict.
Det Insp Howroyd emphasised West Yorkshire Police’s commitment to taking all reports of sexual offending seriously, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
“Victims are encouraged to report offending to us when they are ready and will be treated with the utmost sensitivity,” he said.
The detective inspector stressed that specialist teams are available to support victims throughout the reporting and investigative process, offering assistance every step of the way.
West Yorkshire Police have urged anyone who has suffered abuse or has concerns about someone who may be suffering abuse to come forward. The force has assured victims they will be listened to and provided with access to necessary help and support services.
The case serves as a stark reminder that sexual predators who target vulnerable children will face severe consequences when brought to justice, regardless of their relationship to the victim.
Leonard’s reckless behaviour in knowingly exposing his victim to HIV whilst committing rape represents an additional layer of callousness that the court took into account during sentencing.
The victim’s pregnancy as a result of the abuse added further trauma to an already devastating situation, forcing the young girl to carry the physical evidence of her abuse whilst still a child herself.
Both brothers will spend a significant portion of their adult lives behind bars for their crimes, with the possibility that Leonard may never be released if he continues to pose a threat to public safety.
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