MICHAEL KANE FROM HALIFAX AND TODMORDEN SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENSES NEAR BAITINGS RESERVOIR
| Red Rose Database
Halifax Todmorden Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Halifax and Todmorden, Michael Kane, a 42-year-old market trader, has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of grooming a 15-year-old girl for sexual activity. The incident took place near Baitings Reservoir in Ripponden, where police discovered Kane engaged in sexual acts with the young girl inside his van at a secluded location.
During the investigation, authorities also found a 13-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy in the vehicle. It was revealed in court that all three minors had been given vodka, which likely impaired their judgment and facilitated Kane’s predatory behavior. The court heard that Kane had employed manipulative tactics to win the trust and affection of the 15-year-old girl, whom he had known prior to her 15th birthday.
Judge Jonathan Durham Hall addressed Kane directly, stating, “You devised innocuously, and then more persistently, a method of winning that young girl’s affection and body. I am satisfied you groomed her. Under the guise of apparent genuine affection, you harbored sexual desires towards her.” The judge’s comments underscored the calculated nature of Kane’s actions and the betrayal of trust involved.
Following the sentencing, Detective Gary Stephenson emphasized the severity of the crime, describing Kane as a predator who had systematically groomed his victim. “This man is a predator who groomed his victim. The sentence reflects the serious nature of this crime,” he said.
Further details revealed that Kane had sent the girl a pair of see-through underwear along with a card that read, “To my gorgeous baby doll. Can’t wait for your next birthday,” shortly before her 15th birthday, indicating premeditation and a disturbing level of obsession.
Prosecutor Duncan Ritchie explained that police had observed Kane’s van parked near Baitings Dam on two consecutive days. When officers approached, they found Kane and the girl engaged in sexual activity. They instructed Kane and the girl to get dressed, and no evidence of contraception was found at the scene. Kane, who previously resided on Greek Street in Todmorden, later admitted to knowing that the girl was only 15 years old.
It was also revealed that Kane had attempted to contact the girl’s mother via telephone from prison and had asked for the phone number of the 13-year-old girl found in his van, raising further concerns about his intentions and behavior.
Kane’s criminal history includes a conviction from 1988 for unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl and a 1991 conviction for child cruelty. He used to operate a market stall with his brother in the town, but his past offenses and recent actions have cast a long shadow over his reputation.
Defense lawyer Malcolm Nowell argued that Kane’s feelings, though misplaced, were genuine and went beyond appropriate boundaries, especially given the significant age disparity. At one point during the proceedings, Kane broke down in tears, reflecting the emotional toll of the case.
Judge Durham Hall sentenced Kane at Bradford Crown Court, emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct. “You have taken advantage of a very vulnerable little girl who has been through traumatic experiences for someone her age. It is unknown and immeasurable the extent to which your actions will have contributed to the setbacks she is confronting,” he stated.
As part of his punishment, Kane was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was prohibited from working with children, reflecting the court’s commitment to protecting minors from further harm.
During the investigation, authorities also found a 13-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy in the vehicle. It was revealed in court that all three minors had been given vodka, which likely impaired their judgment and facilitated Kane’s predatory behavior. The court heard that Kane had employed manipulative tactics to win the trust and affection of the 15-year-old girl, whom he had known prior to her 15th birthday.
Judge Jonathan Durham Hall addressed Kane directly, stating, “You devised innocuously, and then more persistently, a method of winning that young girl’s affection and body. I am satisfied you groomed her. Under the guise of apparent genuine affection, you harbored sexual desires towards her.” The judge’s comments underscored the calculated nature of Kane’s actions and the betrayal of trust involved.
Following the sentencing, Detective Gary Stephenson emphasized the severity of the crime, describing Kane as a predator who had systematically groomed his victim. “This man is a predator who groomed his victim. The sentence reflects the serious nature of this crime,” he said.
Further details revealed that Kane had sent the girl a pair of see-through underwear along with a card that read, “To my gorgeous baby doll. Can’t wait for your next birthday,” shortly before her 15th birthday, indicating premeditation and a disturbing level of obsession.
Prosecutor Duncan Ritchie explained that police had observed Kane’s van parked near Baitings Dam on two consecutive days. When officers approached, they found Kane and the girl engaged in sexual activity. They instructed Kane and the girl to get dressed, and no evidence of contraception was found at the scene. Kane, who previously resided on Greek Street in Todmorden, later admitted to knowing that the girl was only 15 years old.
It was also revealed that Kane had attempted to contact the girl’s mother via telephone from prison and had asked for the phone number of the 13-year-old girl found in his van, raising further concerns about his intentions and behavior.
Kane’s criminal history includes a conviction from 1988 for unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl and a 1991 conviction for child cruelty. He used to operate a market stall with his brother in the town, but his past offenses and recent actions have cast a long shadow over his reputation.
Defense lawyer Malcolm Nowell argued that Kane’s feelings, though misplaced, were genuine and went beyond appropriate boundaries, especially given the significant age disparity. At one point during the proceedings, Kane broke down in tears, reflecting the emotional toll of the case.
Judge Durham Hall sentenced Kane at Bradford Crown Court, emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct. “You have taken advantage of a very vulnerable little girl who has been through traumatic experiences for someone her age. It is unknown and immeasurable the extent to which your actions will have contributed to the setbacks she is confronting,” he stated.
As part of his punishment, Kane was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was prohibited from working with children, reflecting the court’s commitment to protecting minors from further harm.