MICHAEL WEBBER FROM CAM INVOLVED IN SEXUAL ASSAULTS AT GLOUCESTER AND DRAYCOTT

In June 2015, Michael Webber, a 74-year-old resident of Cam, found himself at the center of a series of disturbing incidents involving the harassment and sexual assault of women and girls. The court proceedings revealed that Webber's behavior was significantly influenced by brain damage caused by a stroke, which impaired his social and sexual inhibitions, leading to increasingly inappropriate and aggressive conduct.

One of the most alarming episodes occurred when Webber approached a woman’s residence, knocking on her door and claiming he had been told he could obtain sex from her. This incident exemplified his erratic and invasive behavior, which was part of a pattern that the court later detailed.

Webber’s misconduct extended to a young girl, just 14 years old, whom he approached while she was shopping. He offered to pay her for sex and attempted to hug her. Although she pushed him away, he persisted, hugging her again and then inappropriately placing his hand down her trousers. These actions constituted serious sexual offenses, for which he was held accountable.

Prosecutor James Bromige provided further insight into Webber’s troubling conduct, recounting that another victim, a woman who had known Webber for approximately two years, noticed a change in his behavior by January 2014. In May of that year, Webber encountered her while she was gardening with her husband. During this encounter, he made an unsettling comment, saying, “I can see your pants my dear – but it’s a very nice sight,” before slapping her on the bottom, an act of public lewdness and harassment.

Additional victims included a woman Webber approached while she was returning home with shopping. He offered to assist her, but once they reached her house, he followed her inside, put his arm around her neck, and lunged toward her, claiming, “It’s harmless.” This aggressive and threatening behavior underscored the danger he posed.

In light of these incidents, the court sentenced Webber to four months in jail, suspended for two years, coupled with a one-year mental health treatment order. Furthermore, a seven-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed to restrict his future conduct. Webber admitted to sexually assaulting the 14-year-old girl on April 5 of the previous year, a woman on June 18, and two separate occasions involving another woman between May 14 and June 15.

By March 2015, Webber’s case was still ongoing, with delays in sentencing due to procedural issues. The court was informed that Webber, who resides in Draycott, Cam, had become a significant sexual danger to women because of his brain injury. The court heard that he might soon be released from prison under strict conditions designed to protect the public.

During the hearing, Judge Jamie Tabor QC expressed frustration over the delays, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. The court was told that Webber’s condition was ongoing, with vascular damage from his stroke likely to stabilize but not improve. Psychiatric assessments were planned, potentially requiring Webber to be released on bail so that evaluations could be conducted at his home.

Psychiatric nurse Andy Webb explained that, given the length of Webber’s detention, it might be appropriate to establish a Guardianship Order under the Mental Health Act, allowing him to live at home under strict controls and safeguards. The judge remanded Webber into custody until April 7, with the aim of ensuring that he receives appropriate treatment and supervision, acknowledging that the process was taking longer than it should but emphasizing the importance of public safety.