MAN JAILDED IN WARRINGTON FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL INVOLVING MICHAEL CRONSHAW

In December 2003, a man was sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl with learning difficulties. The victim was indecently assaulted by Michael Cronshaw, 24, of Harcourt Close in Birchwood, after they met at a bus stop and he took her back to his flat.

Cronshaw appeared at Warrington Crown Court last week, where he was convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse and two counts of indecent assault. Prosecutor Simon Medland stated that the victim was only 14 but had a mental age of a younger child.

Judge Philip Hughes addressed the court, describing the victim as a vulnerable child with a stammer and learning difficulties. When sentencing Cronshaw, the judge remarked: "You found her at a bus stop after she ran away from home. I am sure you knew she was under 16, as you said during the trial that you asked her how old she was, and asked her if she wanted to phone home."

The judge continued: "I accept that there is no suggestion you kept her in your flat against her will, but you did nothing to encourage her to go home or contact the police. You showed her kindness by offering her food, clothing, and a bath, but I think that was so you could have sex with her and not for her best interests. When you took the girl to your flat, she was under your responsibility, and you betrayed that trust by engaging in sexual acts with her."

Defence lawyer Simon Berkson mentioned a pre-sentence report indicating that Cronshaw was enrolled in a university course at the time of the incident. Berkson added: "He had problems with bullying in the past and has suffered from depression and anxiety, so perhaps is flawed in his thinking about the crime. He has the support of his family, and his mum and sister are present in court today."

Michael Cronshaw was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, with the understanding that he would serve half of that term. Additionally, his name will be entered on the sex offenders' register. It is notable that he was acquitted of rape during his trial held in early November.