MICHAEL BULL FROM BLACON SENTENCED AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT AT CHESTER CHURCH

In December 2016, a distressing case emerged involving a church volunteer from Chester who committed a serious sexual assault against a male co-worker, leaving the victim overwhelmed with emotional distress and contemplating suicide.

Michael John Bull, aged 71 and residing on Hobart Way in Blacon, appeared in Warrington Crown Court to face charges related to his inappropriate conduct. He pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial to sexually assaulting a male individual, an incident that had been preceded by months of grooming behavior.

The court heard that Bull, who was serving as a volunteer at a church in Chester, had engaged in inappropriate behavior over an extended period. The victim was subjected to unwanted physical contact, specifically being touched in the groin area by Bull. The assault involved Bull feeling the victim’s penis through his clothing and holding his hand there for a significant amount of time. This conduct was described as part of a pattern of grooming, which had built up over several months prior to the incident.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Simon Berkson addressed the court and ultimately sentenced Bull to eight months in prison, though this sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, Bull was ordered to complete a 20-day rehabilitation program and was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years. The court also took into account Bull’s health issues, including a diagnosis of throat cancer, which contributed to his medical fit during the proceedings. Bull, who was observed walking with a stick, suffered a non-epileptic fit in the courtroom and was assisted by court officers.

In a public apology delivered through his barrister, Barry Grennan, Bull expressed remorse to his victim. Mr. Grennan highlighted Bull’s significant health problems and the risk of losing his property if he were to be imprisoned. He also revealed that Bull had experienced abuse himself as a young person, acknowledging that he had “overstepped the mark” in this case.

Prosecutor Sarah Badrawy provided details of Bull’s conduct, revealing that he had become a volunteer at a Chester church and had developed a close relationship with the victim, who was also a volunteer. It was reported that Bull frequently made inappropriate comments and asked the victim’s girlfriend about their sex lives. The assault itself involved Bull placing his hand on the victim’s groin over his trousers, feeling through the fabric, and leaving his hand there for a prolonged period.

The victim reported the incident to the police on September 15, 2014. When questioned in October, Bull admitted to speaking with the victim about his sex life and stated that he “got aroused,” though he initially answered questions with a no comment and pleaded not guilty at a previous hearing. On the day of the trial, Bull changed his plea to guilty.

The impact on the victim was profound. In a victim impact statement, he described feelings of embarrassment, confusion, and distress. He expressed that he felt betrayed because Bull was considered a friend. The emotional toll was severe enough that the victim experienced a breakdown, felt suicidal, and required a week-long hospital stay. He also shared concerns about encountering Bull again, which contributed to his ongoing emotional suffering and the stress experienced by his family.

This case highlights the serious consequences of grooming and sexual misconduct within community settings, and the court’s decision reflects the gravity of Bull’s actions and their devastating impact on the victim’s mental health and well-being.