Police in Britain have admitted a child sex suspect has gone missing and officers have had no idea of his whereabouts for seven months.
Michael Leaberry, 35, was living in Ipswich, Suffolk when he skipped bail while under arrest for suspected child sex offences.
While previous appeals have been issued for Leaberry, whose hair was dyed bright blue the last time he was spotted in Essex in November, the public had not been warned that he posed a potential risk because police were worried about potential damage to his reputation.
Now MP Ben Gummer is demanding answers after it was revealed that the alleged predator has been at large since then. Speaking to the Express, Gummer said:
“This is a very concerning case. It raises important issues that exist between keeping the public safe and ensuring a fair trial in the future – and also not impugning someone’s reputation who has not yet been convicted.
“I think all of us, given the events of the last few months where accusations have been made that have proved to be false, need to be mindful of that.
“But nonetheless there is clearly a considerable worry here.”
North Wales Police are appealing for information to trace Michael Philip Leabury, with Det Ch Insp Simon Williams confirming:
“Due to the nature of the (alleged) offences he is considered to present a risk of harm to children.”
Leabury, who is also known to use the name Stephen Bugman, is known to travel and has visited Suffolk, Essex, Norwich, Cheshire, and North Wales in recent times. Around 5ft 10ins tall, of thin build with blue eyes, he enjoys fishing and playing darts.
Have you seen Michael Phillip Leabury? If so contact your local Gardaí or Suffolk Police.
