MICHAEL MCKELL SENTENCED IN BLACKPOOL FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

MICHAEL MCKELL SENTENCED IN BLACKPOOL FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In February 2014, Michael McKell was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for sexually abusing four young girls in Blackpool.

Preston Crown Court heard that McKell, 53, of Princes Street, Blackpool, had inappropriately touched the girls over their clothing, with one victim also being touched underneath her clothes.

In addition to his prison sentence, McKell was informed he would be subject to an extended period of licence after his release.

The court acknowledged the significant psychological impact on his victims, which included fear and dread about giving evidence during the trial.

One of the victims even suffered an overdose following her complaint.

McKell pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault, two of sexual activity with a child, and one count of assault.

He was sentenced to six and a half years, with an extended licence period of three and a half years.

He will serve two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole, and release will be decided by the parole board based on whether it is safe for him to be released back into the community.

His barrister stated that McKell's guilty plea spared the victims from reliving the traumatic events.

It was also revealed that McKell himself had been a victim of serious sexual abuse in the past.

Judge Heather Lloyd noted McKell’s prior sex offences on his record and emphasized the risk of further harm, stating he posed a significant threat of reoffending.

McKell will be on the sex offenders register for life.