MAN WHO SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILD JAILED FOR 30 YEARS
A man from Waterlooville, identified as Michael Lashley and aged 38, has been sentenced to a 30-year prison term after being convicted of sexually abusing a young girl.The abuse took place at his residence, beginning when the girl was only three years old, and persisted over several years, becoming increasingly severe over time.
During this period, Lashley subjected the girl to multiple rapes and threatened her with harm should she disclose what was happening.
In addition to the sexual abuse, Lashley consumed alcohol and physically assaulted the girl.
As she grew older and reached her teenage years, she contacted Lashley to confront him about the abuse she had suffered and threatened to involve the authorities.
In response, Lashley implored her not to reveal anything, describing himself as a ‘weak person’ and expressing fear of imprisonment, claiming he would find it unmanageable.
The girl eventually confided in a teacher about the abuse in April 2021, prompting the teacher to contact law enforcement.
An extensive investigation followed, leading to Lashley’s arrest in August 2024 on charges including four counts of child rape, one count of sexual assault, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Lashley, who was then without a fixed address, denied the allegations.
However, he was found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court on October 15, 2025, after a trial.
On January 16 this year, Lashley was sentenced to 30 years in prison, and he was also served with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order.
