MICHAEL WISE FROM HOLMFIRTH SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES INVOLVING JIMMY SAVILE CONNECTIONS

In a case that has shocked the community of Holmfirth and brought to light disturbing allegations linked to one of the most notorious figures in British entertainment history, Michael Wise, aged 73, has been convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a young boy. The incident, which dates back to the 1980s, involves a disturbing connection to the late Jimmy Savile, the disgraced TV presenter accused of abusing hundreds of children over several decades.

According to court proceedings, Wise, who is wheelchair-bound due to cerebral palsy, was influenced by Savile’s infamous advice, which he believed to be related to sexual conduct. Wise claims that Savile told him to “never do anything to nothing,” a phrase he interpreted as a sexual instruction. This misguided belief led Wise to persuade a young boy to perform a sexual act on him, promising to buy the boy a scooter as an incentive.

The abuse took place in the 1980s, and the victim, who was a child at the time, later confided in his family. However, instead of support, he was taken into care, which compounded his trauma. As he grew older, the victim struggled with substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs, and became involved in criminal activities. Despite these hardships, he eventually found the courage to confront Wise about the abuse.

This confrontation was initiated through an email, in which the victim asked Wise if he remembered the incident. Wise responded with a remorseful message, stating, “That was a terrible thing to do and I am truly sorry. I can’t right the past. Shall I phone the police and make a confession? I feel guilty and hate myself.” This email prompted the victim to report the matter to authorities in March 2019.

During police interviews, Wise initially chose to remain silent but later requested a second interview. Prosecutor Paul Reid detailed that Wise had repeatedly groped the young boy, often trapping him between his legs, actions that Wise did not recognize as inappropriate at the time due to his young age. The court heard that Wise and Savile were known to be friendly, with Savile allegedly “fixing” it for Wise to obtain his first car, and that Wise had been brought to Savile’s home for dinner, with his friends reportedly feeling jealous of his connection to the TV star.

One of the most disturbing revelations was Wise’s offer to exchange a sexual favor for a scooter, which he later purchased for the victim. The court was told that Wise, sitting naked in his wheelchair with only a blanket covering his lap, made this proposition. The victim, in a later email as an adult, asked Wise if he remembered the incident. Wise responded with an apology and expressed guilt, suggesting he was contemplating confessing to the police.

The victim’s statement to the court painted a bleak picture of his life, describing how Wise exploited his friendships with famous people and his disability to manipulate him. He recounted feeling depressed, isolated, and branded a liar when he tried to tell the truth. The trauma led him to leave school without qualifications and turn to substance abuse and criminal behavior. The impact of Wise’s actions has haunted him into adulthood, affecting his relationships with his partner and children. He emphasized that he would never forgive or forget what happened.

In sentencing, Judge Mushtaq Khokhar handed Wise a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement. Additionally, Wise was placed under an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. The judge remarked on the nature of Wise’s actions, stating, “From time to time, you used to touch him between his groin. It may be that that was all innocent. But the subject of the charge was not innocent. It was for your sexual gratification. You used that little child to achieve that. He left home and went into care. The lives of such victims are derailed by an event of this type.”

Michael Wise, who now resides on Oakes Lane, Brockholes, Holmfirth, has no previous convictions. The case has once again highlighted the dark legacy of Jimmy Savile and the lasting damage inflicted on his victims, with Wise’s actions serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and holding offenders accountable.