MICHAEL WRIGGLESWORTH FROM FARNLEY, LEEDS, SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND GROOMING CHILD

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilant law enforcement, Michael Wrigglesworth, a 50-year-old man from Tong Way in Farnley, Leeds, was convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a minor. The incident took place in December of the previous year, and Wrigglesworth was subsequently sentenced to a prison term of seven years and three months at Leeds Crown Court.

According to the prosecution, Wrigglesworth had established a deceptive online relationship with a 17-year-old girl through the popular chatline Fast Flirt. Over a period of approximately three weeks, he communicated with her via three different mobile phones, creating a false persona that included both a man and a girl. The girl, who was from Wales, believed she was engaging with a peer and was under the impression that she was arranging a casual meeting with friends.

After the girl traveled from her home in Wales to Leeds, she received a text message purportedly from the girl she had been chatting with, indicating a specific bar where they could meet. Trusting this message, she proceeded to Leeds and was met with a call from Wrigglesworth, who claimed to be the girl’s partner. He then arranged to meet her outside a pub in the Armley area of Leeds.

Wrigglesworth met the teenager at the designated location, and they shared a drink inside the pub. Following this, he suggested they go for a walk, claiming he wanted a quiet place to talk and get to know her better. It was during this walk that Wrigglesworth committed the assault, raping the girl. After the incident, she was overwhelmed with severe stomach pains and collapsed. Wrigglesworth then fled the scene.

The young victim was taken to Leeds General Infirmary, where she disclosed that she had been raped. Authorities were promptly alerted, and an investigation was launched. In February, Wrigglesworth was arrested by police. During the investigation, officers recovered three mobile phones used to contact the victim. Wrigglesworth initially lied to the police, denying any acquaintance with the girl, claiming he was disabled, and stating he lived with his common-law wife and children. He also falsely claimed that he had not engaged in sexual activity for over ten years.

Eventually, Wrigglesworth admitted to the rape before his trial at Leeds Crown Court was scheduled to commence. As a result of his conviction, his name will be permanently entered on the Sex Offenders’ Register. Additionally, he was subjected to a lifetime Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from contacting the victim or ever working with children again.

Wrigglesworth’s criminal history is extensive, with a total of 127 previous convictions, primarily related to dishonesty and driving offenses. His case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals who exploit online platforms to target vulnerable minors and the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat such predatory behavior.