Man jailed for sexually assaulting Warrington teenager

A man who groomed a vulnerable teenage girl from Warrington has been jailed for 12 years.

Michael Smith was convicted of causing and inciting a teenage girl to engage in sexual activity following a five day trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

The 49-year-old, of Cheetham Fold Road, Hyde, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 28th February where the judge sentenced him to 12-years in prison after describing him as a ‘danger’ to the public.

During the hearing, the court heard how Smith had groomed the teenager over a number of months before arranging to collect her from an address in Warrington on Tuesday 2 February 2021.

He then drove the girl back to his flat in Hyde where he sexually assaulted her.

The victim was located at around 5.30am the following day after she contacted police.

Following the sentencing Detective Constable Stephen Martin, who led the investigation, said: “Smith knew the victim was underage and he knew that she was vulnerable.

“In spite of this, he purposefully chose to take advantage of her, grooming the girl over a number of months and convincing her that she was in love with him.

“After gaining her trust, he then collected her from her home in Warrington and took her to his flat Hyde where he sexually assaulted her.

“Thankfully, as a result of the evidence provided by the victim and the evidence gathered during our investigation, Smith is now facing a significant prison sentence and is no longer a danger to the general public."

On top of his custodial sentence, Smith was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, or know of someone who has, please contact Cheshire Police on 101, report online at www.cheshire.police.uk, or call Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.