MICHAEL GUY FROM RISHTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN BURNLEY AND HYNDBURN

In December 2018, Michael Guy, a man with a long history of sexual offences, was subjected to a significant prison sentence after being found guilty of possessing child sexual abuse images and breaching court orders designed to prevent such behaviour. The case unfolded at Burnley Crown Court, revealing a disturbing pattern of criminal activity linked to his previous convictions and ongoing violations.

It was established that officers from the sex offenders management team had visited Guy’s residence in Rishton for a routine check, which was part of the conditions of a sexual offences prevention order issued to him in 2013. This order was a direct response to his earlier offences of grooming, which took place in the Hyndburn area. During those offences, Guy, then aged 56, made inappropriate sexual comments to three girls aged between 12 and 14, and supplied them with alcohol. Police investigations at that time uncovered more than 300 indecent images of children stored on his computer, leading to his initial imprisonment of three years and the imposition of an indefinite sexual offences prevention order. This order restricted his internet access and mandated that he present all internet-enabled devices to authorities upon request.

Fast forward to January 27, 2018, when police conducted a visit to Guy’s home, and his latest offending was uncovered. During questioning, Guy handed over a mobile phone to officers. When asked about other devices, he claimed to have sold a Motorola phone and disposed of a broken tablet. However, police discovered an Xgody mobile phone in his possession. Further examination of this device revealed a shocking collection of indecent images: 26 Category A images, 28 Category B images, 1,901 Category C images, and 86 prohibited images. All the images depicted young girls, with ages estimated between four and nine years old. Some of the images clearly showed signs of pain and distress, indicating the suffering of the children involved.

During police interviews, Guy claimed he had found the phone on a train and intended to hand it in but never did. He denied downloading any of the images stored on the device. His criminal record includes convictions for unlawful sexual intercourse and indecent assault, underscoring a pattern of predatory behaviour. As a result of these findings, Guy, who was then held at HMP Forest Bank, faced multiple charges, including three counts of breaching a sexual offences prevention order, three counts of downloading indecent images of children, and one count of downloading prohibited images. The court heard that he admitted all charges, and Judge Christopher Hudson sentenced him to four years and three months in prison, along with a two-year extended licence period.

Earlier, in June 2017, Guy had been warned about his inappropriate contact with underage girls. He had sent messages via social media to a 15-year-old girl and attempted to contact a 10-year-old girl through Facebook. Although neither girl responded, police found a naked picture of a young girl, taken at a picnic, on his computer. This image had been accessed on his device at least six times. Guy pleaded guilty to breaching his previous prevention order by communicating with minors and possessing indecent images. His defence argued that he struggled to understand the restrictions of the court order but was now fully aware after being remanded in custody since February of that year. Judge Beverley Lunt sentenced him to six months in prison, warning him of the severe consequences of future offences and emphasizing the importance of adhering to court orders.

Guy’s criminal history also includes a 2013 conviction for grooming three young girls in the Hyndburn area. During that case, he was found to have made sexual comments, supplied alcohol, and kept more than 300 indecent images, including some of babies being abused. He was sentenced to three years in prison, with an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, banning him from having children in his home and working with minors. The court heard that one girl confided in her uncle about Guy’s inappropriate behaviour, and police found extensive evidence on his computer and discs, including images of children from babies to age 12. Despite his previous convictions, Guy continued to offend, demonstrating a persistent pattern of predatory behaviour.

In May 2013, he faced additional charges for meeting three schoolgirls after grooming them, with at least one victim aged just 12. Police discovered a stash of child pornography on his devices, with at least 23 images in the most serious categories. Although he denied one count of sexual assault involving a 12-year-old girl, the court was informed that it was not in the public interest to proceed with that particular charge, given his guilty pleas to other offences. He was remanded in custody and scheduled for sentencing in June of that year. The court’s proceedings highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Guy, whose history of offending spanned several years and multiple offences involving minors.

Overall, the case underscores the serious and ongoing danger posed by Michael Guy, whose repeated violations of court orders and possession of child abuse images have led to substantial prison sentences. His actions have caused significant harm to vulnerable children, and the judicial system has responded with firm measures to protect the public and prevent further offences.