DARWEN MAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS
A 62-year-old man named Michael Harwood was sentenced to a total term for his involvement in sexual offenses against two young girls living in Darwen.Harwood admitted to 14 sex-related charges, including two counts involving sexual contact with one of the girls, as well as taking indecent photographs of both victims.
The photographs, which were taken with a digital camera and laminated at home, contributed to his conviction.
The judge branded him a "sleazy pornographer" and sentenced him to three concurrent 18-month sentences for charges related to inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and sexual assault.
An additional six months were imposed for 11 counts of taking indecent photographs.
Harwood, who committed these acts last year, was arrested after one of the girls disclosed the abuse to her parents.
The court was told that psychiatric assessments indicated Harwood was a medium risk of re-offending.
The girls' parents criticized the sentence, describing it as "disgusting" and a "joke," emphasizing the trauma and lasting effects on their children.
Harwood expressed remorse and wished to apologize, claiming the offenses were linked to his depression following the death of his wife.
The victims' parents expressed that the punishment was insufficient, fearing he would soon be out of prison and that it would not bring justice for the trauma inflicted on their children.
