BRIDLINGTON MAN MICHAEL WILSON DRESSED AS SCHOOLBOY IN SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT NEAR HEADLANDS SCHOOL

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community of Bridlington, Michael Wilson, a 64-year-old man, was involved in a sexual assault targeting a 14-year-old girl. The incident took place on Sewerby Road on January 8 of the previous year, when Wilson was seen dressed in a school uniform, complete with a wig, mimicking a pupil from Headlands School. Witnesses reported that Wilson approached the young girl while wearing the attire, which included a white shirt, blazer, and a Headlands School tie, creating a disturbing scene that raised immediate concern among those nearby.

According to reports, two schoolgirls observed Wilson approaching them in the morning hours. One of the witnesses recounted that Wilson, dressed as a student, approached the girls and without any provocation, squeezed the bottom of the 14-year-old girl. After the assault, Wilson was seen walking away from the scene towards the school premises. A staff member from Headlands School, noticing Wilson in an area marked as out of bounds, initially thought he was a student. Upon closer inspection, the staff member realized that Wilson was not a pupil and approached him. Wilson claimed he was searching for someone but quickly walked away down the driveway. The staff member managed to take a photograph of Wilson during this encounter.

Following his arrest on January 9, police officers conducted a search of Wilson’s residence on High Street in Bridlington. During the search, they discovered a hidden room containing various school uniforms, including blazers with different school crests, and a uniform similar to the one Wilson had worn during the assault. Additionally, they found a story written by Wilson titled ‘My Life As A 13-year-old Schoolboy,’ which was presented as evidence during the court proceedings. Police also recovered a fake Headlands School ID card bearing an outdated photograph of Wilson.

Wilson subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault. His case was brought before Hull Crown Court, where he appeared on March 6 for sentencing. Prosecutor Richard Thompson detailed the impact of Wilson’s actions, revealing that the victim had suffered severe emotional distress, leading her to overdose twice. The court heard that the incident had caused her to become anxious, withdrawn, and self-conscious, with her confidence shattered. She had also engaged in self-harm and was described as a very unhappy young girl.

Addressing Wilson directly, Judge David Tremberg emphasized the gravity of his actions, stating, “She has become anxious, introverted, lost confidence, self-conscious, she has self-harmed and become a very unhappy young lady. She should not have to bear that burden and you are responsible for it.”

Wilson was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. The judge described the case as “unusual” and “sad,” noting troubling features that underscored the seriousness of the offense. As part of his sentence, Wilson was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for seven years, which prohibits him from purchasing school clothing, going within 100 meters of any school boundary, or having contact with any child under 16 who is not related to him. Furthermore, he is required to complete 31 sessions with the Horizon programme aimed at addressing his offending behavior. The court’s ruling reflects the community’s concern over safeguarding and the importance of preventing such disturbing incidents from recurring in Bridlington.