Former foster carer from Telford faces long jail term for child sex abuse

Leslie Bryan, of Burton Close, Dawley, had denied abusing the boys aged between nine and 16 who were being cared for by him and his then wife.

The offences took place in the 1970s and early 80s when Bryan was living in Essex.

A jury at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday found Bryan guilty of 13 offences. Recorder Simon Mayo QC immediately remanded 64-year-old Bryan in custody for sentencing on April 6.

The judge asked the probation service to assess the risk Bryan posed to the public. The court had been told by prosecutor, David Wilson, that Bryan abused his position of trust by preying on vulnerable boys who were “in no position to object to the behaviour”.

The jury heard that in 1975 Bryan was married to a woman 30 years older than him. They lived for 12 years in Essex, where they fostered a number of boys. He later parted from his wife who died several years ago.

After they separated Bryan moved back to the Midlands in 1988 to live with another man.

Two of the victims were brothers and the persistent abuse continued for several years.

The third victim had “plucked up the courage” to report it to social services. Bryan was arrested and interviewed but no further action was taken, the court heard.

In 2016 allegations against Bryan were reported to Essex Police again.

Mr David Wilson, prosecuting, said: “He took advantage of his role as a foster carer in relation to these vulnerable boys, to sexually abuse them and to use them as his sexual playthings.”

The two brothers, who were nine and nearly 11 when they went to live with Bryan, described how they had never had love from anyone before. One looked up to the defendant as a father figure.

Bryan denied six offences. He was convicted of a number of charges of indecent assault and one of indecency.

He claimed the allegations were fabricated and said he was physically incapable of some of the acts.

Adam Burling of the NSPCC in the West Midlands said: “Bryan must have thought he’d got away with his campaign of abhorrent crimes but justice has finally caught up with him and this case shows there is nowhere to hide for abusers.

“It’s disturbing that one of his victims appears to have been ignored after finding the courage to speak out decades ago. It’s vital that survivors know they will be listened to and supported, no matter how much time has passed since the crimes took place.”

Mr Burling said victims of historic abuse could call the NSPCC helpline for support and advice on 0808 800 5000, while children could contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk