Man jailed over kidnap of child

MAN JAILED OVER KIDNAP OF CHILD

Michael Sehannie, aged 19, has been sentenced to four years' imprisonment for attempting to kidnap a 12-year-old girl in Leeds.

The kidnapping occurred in April in the Hunslet area, where Sehannie tried to forcibly drag the girl into nearby foliage.

This was part of a series of suspicious activities, as he had previously followed three children and an adult woman earlier that day.

The case was heard at Leeds Crown Court, which was informed that Sehannie's actions indicated a significant risk of harm to females, with the offence being motivated by sexual intent.

Sehannie, residing on St Luke's Road, Beeston, was apprehended after his former girlfriend saw a police appeal with his picture and contacted authorities.

Police arrested him on April 23, 2019, following the attempted abduction around 05:30 BST on Old Run Road, where he had been present with the purpose of committing a sexual offence against a child.

During proceedings, it was revealed that Sehannie had been following multiple children and an adult woman that morning before the attack.

When two women intervened to help the girl, Sehannie fled but was filmed on a mobile phone.

Despite medical assessments, Sehannie continued to deny involvement, although reports identified him as a high-risk individual for causing serious harm to young females and children.

The judge noted the lasting psychological effects on the victim and highlighted Sehannie's lack of remorse during questioning.

He was sentenced to an extended term of four years in prison plus three years on licence, with parole eligibility after serving two-thirds of the sentence.