ST AUSTELL MAN JAILED FOR 15 YEARS FOR HISTORIC CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Michael Snell, a 64-year-old man from Clifton Road in St Austell, was convicted of sexually abusing two young girls during the 1990s in Cornwall.He subjected his victims to vile sexual acts, incited them to pleasure him, committed gross indecency, and indecently assaulted them.
After a trial earlier this month, he was found guilty on nine charges including sexual assault, gross indecency, indecent assault, and inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
Snell was sentenced at Truro Crown Court to 15 years in prison plus an additional year on license.
He will be on the sex offenders' register for life and face a restraining order until further notice.
During the court hearing, victims described the long-lasting impact of the abuse, including mental health struggles, feelings of shame, and difficulty sleeping.
One victim said, "I'm stuck on feeling ashamed," while another expressed, "What he did will never be forgiven, but justice can help the healing process." Snell did not show remorse or insight, and the judge noted he could have pleaded guilty earlier but chose not to.
Snell will serve a minimum of two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
