MICHAEL HAYNES FROM URMSTON SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE IN GREATER MANCHESTER

A woman who endured sexual abuse during her childhood has bravely shared her painful experience, revealing that her abuser, Michael Haynes, violated boundaries she had not yet learned to recognize. Michael Haynes, a 76-year-old man from Urmston in Greater Manchester, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 18 years after being convicted of multiple serious offenses involving two young girls during the 1980s and 1990s.

Haynes's conviction was secured at Manchester Crown Court following a series of investigations that began when a woman came forward to police in 2020. The case gained further momentum when media coverage prompted a second woman to report her own experiences in 2023. Greater Manchester Police have expressed their belief that there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward, and they have actively contacted potential victims, encouraging them to seek help and support.

During the period in which the crimes took place, Haynes was employed at Trafford School of Gymnastics. His misconduct reportedly began with inappropriate touching, including during sessions where he was assisting with stretching exercises. The allegations also include inappropriate questions directed at one of his victims, who was only 12 years old at the time, concerning her personal relationships. The police described the offenses as ranging from sexual touching to full rape, with some incidents reportedly occurring inside Haynes's vehicle.

One of the women who testified in court described her experience by saying, "Michael Haynes violated boundaries I hadn't yet learned how to name." She explained that she did not fully understand what had happened to her or how she felt about it at the time. Instead, she recalled feeling that something had shifted within her, and she expressed that she carried confusion and shame for many years. Despite this, she emphasized her pride in her journey of healing and growth.

Another woman, who had joined the gym around the age of 10 with aspirations of becoming a British gymnast, recounted feeling lost and terrified during her abuse. She revealed that her experiences have haunted her throughout her life. She credited social media platforms and documentaries for helping her find the courage to finally report her ordeal and seek justice.

Detective Inspector Rick Lees from Greater Manchester Police described the investigation as