MICHAEL STYLES FROM ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN SWINDON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Royal Wootton Bassett, a 67-year-old man named Michael Styles has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of serious crimes involving the abuse of children. The offences took place during the 1970s, a period during which Styles was entrusted with the care of two young children, a boy aged eight and a girl who was of pubescent age at the time.

According to court proceedings, Styles was responsible for babysitting the children while their mother was at work. During this period, he engaged in a series of heinous acts that included sexual misconduct and severe child cruelty. The court was informed that Styles would sometimes bathe the boy and, inappropriately, would encourage the young child to touch him sexually. These acts of abuse were not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of misconduct that spanned over a period of time.

The girl, who was subjected to humiliating punishment, recounted her experiences in court. She described how Styles would force her to stand naked on a stool in front of the television, staring at her and making disturbing comments about 'taking her pride away.' She also revealed that he would physically punish her by smacking her bottom with his hand or an implement, often after making her stand naked. Despite her attempts to confide in her mother about the abuse, her pleas were ignored, and she was still sent to Styles’ home, where the abuse continued.

Following a detailed trial at Swindon Crown Court, Styles was convicted on multiple counts, including indecent assault, gross indecency with a child, and two counts of child cruelty. The jury, however, acquitted him of additional charges that included two other counts of indecent assault on the boy, one on the girl, and two further counts of child cruelty. Styles has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings.

Defense lawyer Michael Butt argued that Styles was a grandfather figure and highlighted positive character references from his daughter and stepdaughter, who spoke well of him. He emphasized that Styles had maintained a clean record for over 33 years since the alleged offences and had recently retired after a lengthy career. Butt also pointed out that Styles’ wife was suffering from ill health, and he urged the court to consider a non-custodial sentence, such as a suspended sentence or community order, citing his client’s good character and the devastating impact these convictions have had on his reputation.

However, Judge Euan Ambrose was clear in his sentencing remarks. He stated that the severity of the crimes warranted an immediate custodial sentence, regardless of the mitigation presented. The judge detailed the nature of the offences, noting that the abuse of the boy occurred when he was approximately eight years old and involved specific instances of inappropriate behaviour. The judge also described the prolonged humiliation inflicted upon the girl, emphasizing that the punishment was designed to cause maximum psychological damage and humiliation.

In addition to the prison term, Styles was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was barred from working with children or vulnerable adults. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Royal Wootton Bassett, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding in caregiving roles. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such offences are treated and the ongoing need to protect children from abuse, regardless of the passage of time.