MICHAEL CARR SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES
A convicted paedophile who inflicted horrendous abuse on a young girl was made to face a stark reality at Liverpool Crown Court as he was sentenced to prison.Michael Carr, 57, of Station Road, Maghull, sexually assaulted the girl multiple times when she was between six and 11 years old, while he was aged 17 to 23.
His crimes included indecently assaulting her, making her remove her clothes if she lost at card games, and forcing her to dance for him in her underwear.
When Carr appeared at court via video link for sentencing, he initially maintained a smiling demeanor, supported by family members in the public gallery.
One supporter even left the courtroom upset as the details of his misconduct were read out, while Carr shook his head in response.
His smile faded when the judge announced the prison sentence of eight years, with the condition that he must serve at least two-thirds behind bars.
During a trial in August, evidence revealed how Carr engaged the girl in various inappropriate games, including one where he lifted her into the air after she ran up to him, during which he indecently assaulted her by making her remove her underwear and holding her aloft.
Prosecutor Sarah Holt explained that Carr would make the girl manipulate her legs and touch her genitalia, as well as playing card games like snap, which involved removing items of clothing.
The court heard how Carr took the girl to secluded areas such as 'The Boards' and 'The Ralla,' where she built dens and felt safe.
Ms Holt stated that during one visit, Carr exposed himself to her and then forced her hand onto his genitals, asking if it felt nice.
Further, Carr asked her to dance to music and then expressed a desire to see her dance in her underwear under the pretext that it allowed him to see her better.
He also asked her to lie down for a hug, then inappropriately pulled down her shorts.
The court was told he would kiss her on the cheek or try to kiss her on the lips, and on one occasion, when she was older, he tried to pull her bra strap from behind and she told him to stop, saying she did not like it.
The abuse was uncovered in 2019 after the victim contacted police.
She recounted how Carr’s actions had ongoing effects on her mental health, including severe anxiety, panic attacks, self-harming, eating disorders, vivid nightmares, and feelings of vulnerability and fear.
She revealed, “When I’m close with partners, I see Michael’s face looking back at me.” Despite receiving counselling, she expressed some relief that justice was finally being served, stating, “I’m happy that after 40 years Michael is facing the consequences of his actions and justice is being served.
However, this will never change the devastation he has left behind.” Defence advocate Brendan Carville noted that Carr denied the offences, adding, “The defendant of course still denies the offences and I’m not able to comment in any way at all on the findings of the jury.” He highlighted that Carr had no prior convictions and suggested he could rehabilitate, pointing out that at 59, this was his first time in prison and he would find it devastating.
Judge David Swinnerton addressed Carr directly, stating, “You’re 59 years of age.
You’ve got no previous convictions, but what that reveals is to some extent you’ve been living a lie for the last 30 years, because people have treated you as a man of good character.” He described how Carr “sexualised” childhood games, such as lifting the girl or playing snap with inappropriate rules involving clothing removal, with the intent to abuse.
The judge stressed that the victim confided in her mother about the abuse years prior, describing Carr’s touching as “wrong,” but she initially felt unable to disclose fully.
The court also learned the victim had told a friend about her abuse over the years, who witnessed her breakdown in tears.
Judge Swinnerton emphasized the lasting impact of Carr’s actions, saying, “Though this was a long time ago Mr.
Carr, and though it’s difficult for any man to face his first custodial sentence at age 59, you have caused a devastating and ongoing effect on your victim’s life for over 30 years.” Consequently, Carr was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
