Michael France Jailed for Horrific Child Sex Abuse
Michael France from Sandyfields View, Skellow, has been slammed with a monstrous 31-year jail term after being found guilty of horrific sex crimes against two child victims. The Sheffield Crown Court convicted him on 14 charges, including multiple counts of rape and sexual assault against children under 13.
Lengthy Prison Sentence and Lifetime Restrictions
Sentenced on Monday 23 May, France faces a minimum of 31 years behind bars, followed by an extended five-year period on licence. He is also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. On top of that, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order has been slapped on him to keep him monitored long after release.
Coordinated Police Investigation Spanning Regions
The vile offences stretched across North and South Yorkshire as well as Humberside. A joint probe by South Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Police launched in 2019 after the first victim bravely came forward with disturbing allegations. A second victim later stepped forward revealing further abuse.
Police Praise Victims’ Courage
Temporary Det Sgt Melissa Green of South Yorkshire Police said: “Michael France kept denying everything throughout the trial, implying his victims were lying. The complainants were children at the time, some now adults, who courageously reported historical abuse spanning from age five to 18. Their bravery has finally brought him to justice.”
North Yorkshire Detective Sgt David Adams added: “France is a predatory, depraved man who showed zero remorse. His victims had to endure a painful trial, but now with him locked up for decades, they can hopefully find closure and begin to heal.”
