MICHAEL HOLLINGSWORTH FROM WITHERNSEA JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN HULL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Withernsea, Michael Hollingsworth, a 53-year-old fisherman, has been sentenced to 22 months in prison for a series of disturbing crimes involving a young girl. The offences, which took place over the internet, included stalking, coercion, and the possession and distribution of indecent images of children.

Hollingsworth was found guilty at Hull Crown Court after he admitted to inciting a 12-year-old girl to perform an indecent act via webcam. The court heard that he had collected more than 100 indecent images and videos depicting young children, some of which involved ritual abuse. The severity of his actions and the potential risk to other children prompted the judge, David Tremberg, to impose a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, reflecting the serious concern about his future conduct.

The charges against Hollingsworth also included nine counts of making indecent images, two counts of distributing such images, and two counts of possessing extreme pornography. The court was told that Hollingsworth, who resides on Lascelles Avenue in Withernsea, engaged in online exchanges with other individuals sharing similar disturbing interests, sending out indecent pictures of girls, some of which depicted ritualistic abuse.

The case came to light after the young girl confided in her parents, leading to police intervention. Authorities executed a search at Hollingsworth’s home, where they discovered three computers and examined his internet activity, chat room logs, and email correspondence. It was revealed that Hollingsworth believed the girl was 14 or 15 years old when he engaged in the most serious offence, although he initially denied any wrongdoing. This denial prompted police to conduct a thorough investigation into his digital devices.

During the court proceedings, Crown barrister John Thackray highlighted Hollingsworth’s disturbing online behavior, emphasizing that he believed he was communicating with a teenage girl. The prosecution detailed how Hollingsworth attempted to blackmail the girl into performing sexual acts by threatening to share her personal details with others, adding a layer of malicious intent to his crimes.

Hollingsworth’s defense lawyer, Anil Murray, described his client as a lonely man suffering from feelings of sexual inadequacy and low self-esteem. Murray explained that Hollingsworth had not maintained a proper relationship for three years and faced personal hardships, including losing his job after 20 years of employment and being disowned by his family. The lawyer argued that if Hollingsworth were to serve time in prison, he would lose his home and be unable to pay his debts.

Judge Tremberg condemned Hollingsworth’s actions, stating that every parent fears their child being exposed to harmful influences online. He described Hollingsworth’s conduct as malicious and emphasized the gravity of his attempts to manipulate and threaten the young girl. The judge also noted that Hollingsworth’s flight back to sea while on bail and his denial of guilt only worsened his situation, adding to the trauma experienced by the victim.

In conclusion, the judge sentenced Hollingsworth to 22 months in prison and imposed a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from working with children or engaging in activities that could put children at risk. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable young people from predators like Hollingsworth.