MICHAEL MOORE SENTENCED IN STRATTON FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In June 2004, Michael Moore, a 50-year-old railway worker from Stratton, was sentenced to five years in prison after a court heard harrowing details of his criminal conduct involving the abuse of four young girls. The case revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several years and included the exploitation of children as young as two years old.

Prosecutor Ian Halliday provided the court with a detailed account of Moore’s offenses, beginning with his initial targeting of two young girls. The older girl, who was just seven years old at the time, was subjected to a series of abusive acts by Moore. During these assaults, which occurred over a period of three years, Moore would physically restrain her—pinning her down on the bed with one hand—while committing indecent acts with the other. He reportedly threatened to withdraw her trips to the cinema if she disclosed his actions, attempting to silence her through intimidation.

As the abuse continued and the girl resisted further advances, Moore shifted his focus to another young girl, also approximately seven years old. Similar to the first victim, she was subjected to physical restraint and sexual assault, often crying as Moore held her down during the attacks. The victims eventually found the courage to confide in an adult, leading to Moore’s arrest and police investigation.

During police questioning, Moore confessed to his crimes, admitting to abusing two additional young girls, aged two and ten. He also disclosed that there would be evidence of his misconduct on his home computer, specifically child pornography. A search of his residence uncovered 152 images of child abuse, although it was evident that Moore had employed software to conceal his digital tracks, complicating the investigation.

Moore, who resides at St Margarets Green, Stratton, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including ten counts of indecent assault, two counts of incitement to gross indecency with a child, and ten counts of making indecent images of children. The court noted that the charges related to both physical abuse and possession of child pornography, with the latter being a representative sample of his offending behavior.

Defending Moore, solicitor Paul Orton highlighted that his client’s guilty plea was a mitigating factor, as it spared the victims from having to testify in court. Orton also emphasized Moore’s long-standing employment on the railways in Swindon for 23 years and described his life prior to these offenses as largely blameless. Moore owns his own home, which he shares with his parents; however, the property is now set to be sold to settle debts and provide his parents with alternative accommodation.

Orton expressed confusion over Moore’s actions, stating, “It beggars belief why he committed these offences. I don’t think anyone will ever know why. It is totally out of character for him.” He also expressed hope that the young victims, being still young, would recover from the trauma inflicted upon them, and noted that Moore had shown remorse by admitting guilt.

Judge Tom Longbotham delivered the sentence, acknowledging that while Moore was not classified as a predatory sex offender, there was a significant risk to children known to him. The judge emphasized that the potential for harm was high and ordered that Moore serve a five-year prison term. Additionally, upon release, Moore will be subject to a three-year license period during which he must participate in a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program. He is also required to register as a sex offender for life and is prohibited from working with children in any capacity.