MICHAEL REDHEAD FROM BARBY, CROMFORD AND RUGBY SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGERS

In April 2011, Michael Redhead, a man with a disturbing history of predatory behavior, was sentenced to a total of five years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing two teenage boys. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of manipulative and abusive conduct that spanned several years and multiple locations, including his residence in Rugby and his earlier time in Derbyshire.

Redhead, aged 49 and residing on Rugby Road in Barby, was found guilty of multiple serious charges. These included four counts of indecent assault against a 16-year-old boy, four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old, and two counts of causing that boy to participate in sexual acts. His criminal activities extended beyond direct abuse, as he also admitted to possessing and distributing indecent images of children. Specifically, he was charged with 11 counts of making indecent images while living in Derbyshire, seven more after returning to Rugby, along with two counts of possession and one of distribution.

Prosecutor Steven Bailey described Redhead’s conduct as the actions of a persistent and predatory paedophile, emphasizing the danger he posed to vulnerable young individuals. The court heard that Redhead’s abusive behavior began in the early part of the last decade, when he befriended a 16-year-old boy. During this period, Redhead invited the teenager to his flat, where he engaged in inappropriate physical contact, including kissing and sexual acts. He also carried out acts of self-stimulation in front of the boy and took photographs of him in the nude, further exploiting his vulnerability and confusion. The victim, described as vulnerable and unsure, never challenged Redhead’s actions, and no authorities were informed at the time.

Around the same period, Redhead targeted another young boy, aged 15, employing a grooming process similar to that used with the first victim. He subjected this second teenager to various forms of sexual abuse within his flat. The court also noted the existence of two female complainants, one of whom came forward around the same time as the boys, and another who reported abuse last year. However, charges related to these female victims were not pursued after Redhead pleaded guilty to the other offences.

Further details emerged about Redhead’s criminal activities following his move to Cromford, Derbyshire, in 2007. There, he took over the management of the Bell pub, which featured a ‘kiddies corner’ selling sweets. During this period, he developed an inappropriate interest in a 14-year-old girl, sending her unsolicited messages in an attempt to groom her. He then invited her to his flat above the pub. The girl, however, chose to report him to the police instead of accepting his invitation. In April 2008, police questioned Redhead and seized his laptop, which contained chat logs and 18 indecent images of children.

While on bail, additional victims came forward, including the two boys and two girls, leading to Redhead’s re-arrest in November 2009. Authorities also discovered illegal material on his new computer. During the trial, Redhead’s defense argued that he had suffered violence and abuse as a child and had turned to heavy drinking following relationship breakdowns. Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Richard Griffith-Jones sentenced him to five years in prison and emphasized the lasting damage caused by his actions. The judge stated, “You have damaged them. They will never forget what you did, and will have to cope with the memories of it.”

Redhead’s case highlights the ongoing dangers posed by individuals who exploit their positions of trust and manipulate vulnerable young people for their own gratification, with the court making it clear that extended supervision will follow his release to prevent further harm.