MICHAEL BALL FROM BENTILEE AND STAFFORD CAUGHT IN SHOCKING SCHOOLGIRL INCIDENT

In March 2017, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Michael Ball, a 29-year-old man with connections to Bentilee and Stafford, which has left the local community shaken. The events took place late at night after Ball had been out drinking and using cocaine, leading to a confrontation with a young schoolgirl in Stoke-on-Trent.

According to court reports, Ball approached the teenage girl at an unspecified address in Stoke-on-Trent following his night out. During this encounter, he made an inappropriate and lewd proposition, asking her, "Can I see your boobs – I’ll give you a tenner." The girl, understandably shocked and uncomfortable, refused his request. Despite her refusal, Ball persisted in his advances, which caused her to become increasingly distressed.

Realizing the situation was escalating, the girl quickly texted her mother to come and pick her up immediately. The incident was subsequently reported to the police, leading to Ball’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings. The court heard that Ball, who was then living in the Stafford area but previously from Bentilee, was found guilty of causing or inciting a girl under 16 to engage in sexual activity. It is important to note that the offence did not involve any physical contact but was based on the sexual nature of his propositions.

During the sentencing hearing at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, it was revealed that Ball still maintained a dismissive attitude towards the incident, blaming the victim and claiming she had fabricated the story. The court was also informed that Ball, who works as a site safety engineer in the railway industry, admitted to having consumed alcohol and drugs on the night in question. However, he denied making any sexual advances during his interaction with the girl.

In assessing his case, a probation officer classified him as a low risk of re-offending but acknowledged a medium risk of harm to public safety. The judge, District Judge Jack McGarva, addressed Ball directly, emphasizing the impact of his actions on the young girl. He stated, “The consequence of you pleading not guilty is that a very vulnerable girl had to come to court, give evidence and relive the experience she had. I met her and she was terrified. I just hope that the fact I believed her – and she knows I believed her – gives her some closure in this matter.”

Judge McGarva also reflected on whether Ball’s actions were deliberate or simply the result of drunken stupidity. He noted that Ball’s criminal record did not suggest a pattern of predatory behavior and described the incident as a “moment of madness.”

As part of his sentence, Michael Ball was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community service, pay £720 in court costs, and a £115 victim surcharge. Additionally, he was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and was required to pay the victim £750 in compensation for the distress caused during the incident.