Christchurch Man Accused of Breaching Preventive Detention Order by Harassing Schoolgirls

A 53-year-old man from Christchurch, Leo Darin Goodwin, has been charged with breaching a preventive detention order related to sexual violence after allegedly approaching schoolgirls under the age of 16. He appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody, according to court records.

Police allege that Goodwin engaged in inappropriate behavior by offering girls favours in exchange for money and sent letters to 11 local schools as part of their ongoing investigation. The man has a long history of violent and sexual offenses, with multiple convictions dating back to the 1990s. These include serious charges such as rape, assault, and sexual violation.

Goodwin was previously sentenced to preventive detention in 2006 after being convicted of sexual violation, abduction for sexual intercourse, and threatening to kill a 15-year-old girl. His prior convictions include a 12-year prison term for sexual violation by rape and a three-year sentence for aggravated wounding. In 1994, he was sentenced to two years in Australia for threatening a victim with a weapon with intent to commit sexual intercourse.

Justice Cooper noted during the court proceedings that Goodwin was released on parole in 2004 but reoffended shortly after, and that he poses a high risk of serious violent sexual re-offending. The Department of Corrections confirmed that Goodwin was recalled to prison for breaching his release conditions.

Police were first alerted on August 4 about Goodwin approaching schoolgirls in the Merivale and St Albans areas, and several additional reports have since been made. Detective Constable Andrea McDowell expressed gratitude to the community for their assistance in identifying the suspect and encouraged parents to educate children on personal safety.

Goodwin is scheduled to appear in court again on September 17 for further proceedings. This case has raised significant concerns within the community about the risks posed by individuals with a history of sexual violence and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable groups such as minors.