Somerset: Leonard Cook due in court accused of poisoning and raping children

A man from Somerset is due to appear in court accused of poisoning and sexually abusing children over three decades. Leonard Cook, 66, from Bridgwater has been charged with 27 offences including rape, sexual assault, indecent assault and administering a poison or noxious substance with intent.

The charges relate to 11 alleged victims who were aged between five and 11 at the time of the offences sometime between the early 1990s and the present day.

Cook is due to appear before Taunton Crown Court to face the charges. An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "We'd like to remind the public that all victims of sexual offences are entitled to lifetime anonymity and any breach of legal restrictions protecting their identity is taken extremely seriously.

"If anyone has concerns relating to this inquiry, please call Det Sgt Paul Lanigan or Det Con Louise Ricketts at Somerset Investigations on 101.

"If you don't want to speak to the police, The Bridge is available 24/7 365 days a year to provide medical care and emotional and practical support to anyone affected by rape and sexual assault. You can call The Bridge for help and decide about talking to the police later."