GEORGE MICKLEFIELD FROM BRISTOL AND DOWNEND ESCAPES TOUGHER SENTENCE IN SEX ABUSE CASE

In a recent development in a disturbing case of child sexual abuse, the Court of Appeal has dismissed an attempt to increase the sentence handed down to Geoffrey Micklefield, a man from Downend, near Bristol. The 81-year-old was convicted of a series of sexual offenses committed against a young boy over a span of five years, with the abuse taking place while the victim was between the ages of six and ten.

Geoffrey Micklefield, who was known to the victim’s family and resided in the vicinity of Marshfield Park, off Cleeve Wood Road, was sentenced in June by Judge David Ticehurst at Bristol Crown Court. The sentence was a community order, which included a requirement for Micklefield to participate in the Thames Valley sex offenders’ rehabilitation program. The sentence also involved a three-year community order, reflecting the court’s judgment on the severity of the crimes.

The Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith QC, who acts as the chief legal officer for the government, sought permission to challenge the sentence, arguing that it was “unduly lenient.” This move was based on the belief that the punishment did not adequately reflect the gravity of Micklefield’s offenses. However, the appeal judges ultimately rejected this application, citing the “compelling” mitigation presented by Micklefield’s age and personal circumstances.

While acknowledging the seriousness of the crimes, the appellate court emphasized that the sentence was “well within the proper ambit” of judicial discretion. The judges also noted that Micklefield was unlikely to reoffend, which influenced their decision to uphold the original sentence. The case drew attention not only because of the heinous nature of the abuse but also due to the fact that Micklefield was a trusted family friend of the victim, which added a layer of betrayal to the case.

Micklefield had admitted to five counts of gross indecency with a child and had requested that five additional charges be taken into account during his plea. His arrest occurred in March, and he did not contest the charges, which led to his sentencing. The victim’s father expressed his anguish, stating, “My son has gone through the most horrendous ordeal because of his horrendous crimes and it seems incredible he should not be punished more.” Despite this, he also acknowledged some relief in knowing that the Attorney General had deemed the case serious enough to seek a review, providing a measure of reassurance for the family.