MICHAEL PARNELL SENT BACK TO PRISON IN TRURO AFTER LIVING WITH CHILDREN
In March 2019, Michael Parnell, a convicted child sex offender, was returned to prison after he was found living in a house with a young girl with whom he had shared a bed.Parnell, 46, was originally sentenced in 2006 to 16 years for multiple serious offences, including seven counts of raping a girl under 13, rape of a girl under 16, rape of a woman over 16, indecent assault, and attempted rape.
He was released from prison in 2016 but soon afterward appeared before Truro Crown Court in a hearing held on Wednesday, March 6, when he admitted breaching his parole conditions.
He had been living with a girlfriend near Helston from November 23, 2018, to February 11, 2019, without disclosing his criminal convictions to her.
The woman’s two children later joined the household.
Parnell admitted to failing to comply with his duties as a registered sex offender and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
Prosecutor Brian Fitzherbert explained to the court that Parnell was under an obligation to inform police of any change of address and was forbidden from staying at any residence with children.
Police discovered Parnell at the property during a welfare check on children.
Despite claiming there were no children present, toys and clothing indicating their presence were seen inside the house.
Mr.
Fitzherbert stated, “Mr Parnell formed a relationship with the woman, but she had no idea about his past convictions.
They met in October 2018, and he moved into her father's home.
The woman’s children later joined them.
The defendant sometimes slept in the same bed as his girlfriend and her daughter when she couldn’t sleep.
The daughter said she didn’t like Mike as he would often peek at her in her room.
Occasionally, the mother would leave them alone together.
On one occasion, Parnell offered her money for a favor, but it was unclear what the favor entailed.” Following his discovery, Parnell went into hiding for about a month before being located in a static caravan in early February.
The situation led to the removal of the woman's children from her care.
Defence lawyer Michael Gregson explained that Parnell's relationship began while he was living in Camborne, and that the girlfriend had offered him alternative accommodation.
Gregson added that Parnell was initially unaware she had children, as they were living with their father at the time he moved in.
He further said, “Mr Parnell became aware of the children but did not want the relationship to end.
He altered his electronic curfew address, but the courts had not approved this change.
During Christmas, the children moved into the property, which he now confesses he should have left.
No other offending aside from what was outlined was noted, and the children’s mother stated there was nothing to suggest Mr Parnell’s behavior was concerning.” In his sentencing, Recorder John Trevaskis emphasized that Parnell was fully aware of his legal obligations as a sex offender and should have left the household once the children arrived.
The court also highlighted the serious consequences of Parnell’s actions, including the removal of the children from their mother.
Ultimately, Parnell was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
