A man who committed a series of sexual abuses against a young girl has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following an investigation by specialist safeguarding officers in Leeds.
Michael King, 33, was found guilty of three counts of rape of a child under 13, four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The jury delivered unanimous verdicts at a trial in June, leading to King’s conviction and subsequent sentencing.
In addition to the 10-year prison term for the rape offences, King received a concurrent four-year term for the other offences. He was also given a one-year extended licence period. Furthermore, he has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.
The offences occurred over a six-month period and were brought to light in December of last year when the victim disclosed the abuse to a friend. King was arrested on Christmas Eve and maintained his innocence throughout the subsequent interviews, which even continued on Christmas Day. He was initially charged with rape and appeared at Leeds Magistrates Court on Boxing Day, where he was remanded in custody.
Leeds District Safeguarding Unit officers supported the victim during video-recorded interviews and conducted thorough investigations, including securing forensic evidence. After consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, King was charged with additional offences.
Detective Inspector Mark Tester from Leeds District Safeguarding Unit emphasised the vulnerability of the young girl and the significant impact King’s actions had on her life. He commended the victim’s courage in providing evidence under special measures, which allowed her account to be video recorded in advance of the trial to minimise the impact of the court process on her.
DI Tester expressed hope that the victim and her family would find reassurance in knowing that King has been held accountable and received a substantial prison sentence. He emphasised that sexual offences of this nature are taken very seriously and urged other victims to come forward, assuring them that they will be listened to and supported.
