MICHAEL BRABAZON FROM ALKRINGTON AND ROCHDALE JAILED FOR YEARS OF ABUSE IN ILFRACOMBE AND BEYOND

In a disturbing case that spans over two decades, Michael Brabazon, a man originally from Ilfracombe with family ties in the Oldham area, has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl and boy. Brabazon, who resided in Farmway, Alkrington, and had moved from Devon to Rochdale, was found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault that occurred between September 16, 1985, and April 3, 1991.

On August 17, at Bolton Crown Court, the 55-year-old father of five pleaded guilty to 13 charges related to the sexual abuse inflicted upon the children during this period. The court heard that nine of these charges involved the girl, who was between 11 and 17 years old at the time, while the remaining four pertained to the boy, aged between 10 and 14 during the assaults.

Brabazon’s criminal actions came to light after he was finally arrested in January 2007. The court was informed that he had been married for 35 years and had relocated from Devon to the Rochdale area, with family connections in Oldham. The female victim, in particular, was described as being profoundly affected by the abuse, which left lasting scars.

Judge Robert Warnock, presiding over the case, sentenced Brabazon to three years in prison. Additionally, he ordered him to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. The judge emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, “You deprived those two people of what they were entitled to, a normal and happy childhood. Having deprived them of their childhood, I am in no doubt I must deprive you of your liberty, and a custodial sentence must follow.”

Prosecutor Abigail Hudson highlighted the severity of the offenses, noting that the abuse inflicted on the girl was particularly damaging, with her suffering from the trauma well into adulthood. The court was told that Brabazon’s actions had shattered the trust of the victims and caused them permanent emotional harm.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Warnock acknowledged Brabazon’s guilty pleas and the fact that the victims were not required to testify, which he considered as mitigating factors. He also recognized the remorse expressed by Brabazon. The judge remarked, “You now understand the impact of your actions on those children. The victim statements are clear, and the damage you have caused is irreversible. These are serious offenses involving a breach of trust, especially given the vulnerability of the young victims.”

Brabazon’s case underscores the long-lasting effects of childhood abuse and the importance of justice for victims. His sentencing serves as a reminder of the need to protect children from predators, regardless of the passage of time or the offender’s background.