MICHAEL WORT SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES IN THE NEW FOREST

In a case that spanned several decades, Michael Wort, a man with no fixed address, was convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving young children in the New Forest area. The crimes, which occurred over a period from 1971 to 2019, included disturbing acts of sexual assault and indecent assault against three different minors.

Wort, aged 69 at the time of sentencing, was brought before Southampton Crown Court where he faced charges related to three separate incidents. The court heard that he had sexually assaulted a girl under the age of 13 through physical contact, and had indecently assaulted two other young girls under the age of 16. The offences took place at undisclosed addresses within the New Forest, a location known for its scenic beauty but now marred by these serious crimes.

The Hampshire Constabulary provided details of the timeline of the offences. One incident was recorded in 1971, involving a child victim. The second set of offences occurred between 1985 and 1986, involving another young girl. The most recent offences took place between 2018 and 2019, involving a third child victim. These crimes, spanning nearly five decades, highlight a disturbing pattern of predatory behaviour.

Following a thorough trial, Wort was found guilty of three counts of sexual misconduct, including one count of sexual assault of a girl under 13 through touching, and two counts of indecent assault of girls under 16. The court sentenced him to a total of five years in prison for his actions. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his contact with minors. An indefinite Restraining Order was also issued against him, prohibiting any contact with his victims or their families.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable children from sexual abuse, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences occurred.