MICHAEL COLLEDGE'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN NUNEATON: RETIRED POLICEMAN'S SEX OFFENSES REVEALED

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Nuneaton, Michael Colledge, a retired police officer, has been convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses spanning several decades. The incidents, which involve both a young girl from the early 1980s and an adult woman in 2003, have brought to light a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior by a man who once served in law enforcement.

Colledge, aged 73 and residing on Waverley Avenue in Nuneaton, appeared before Warwick Crown Court to face charges that included indecent assault on a young girl during her childhood and an assault on an adult woman nearly two decades later. The court heard that Colledge had pleaded guilty to these charges, which painted a troubling picture of his conduct over the years.

The prosecution, led by Simon Hunka, detailed the heinous acts committed against the girl, who is now in her 40s. These acts reportedly took place in the 1980s when Colledge was still an active police officer. One particularly disturbing incident involved the young girl, who was only seven years old at the time, visiting his home with her mother. During this visit, while her mother was momentarily out of the room, Colledge allegedly pulled the girl onto his lap as he lay on the sofa, an act that has been described as an indecent assault.

Further allegations revealed that as the girl grew older, specifically at ages 13 and 14, Colledge, who was battling alcohol dependency, took advantage of opportunities to inappropriately touch her. Witnesses reported that he would smack her on the bottom or attempt to grab her breasts when he saw her. These incidents, which were never reported to the police at the time, only came to light during a therapy session in February of the previous year, when the victim recognized Colledge at the same therapy center she was attending.

Her concerns intensified when she learned that Colledge was conducting spiritualist sessions for vulnerable individuals, raising fears about his continued inappropriate behavior. It was during this period that she confided in someone about her suspicions, which led to further revelations. It was then uncovered that Colledge had also indecently assaulted an adult woman, who was visiting his wife, who was suffering from a brain tumour, around 2001 or 2002.

According to the victim, during a visit to Colledge’s home, she went into the kitchen to get a drink. At that moment, Colledge allegedly came up behind her, pushed her against the wall, and attempted to touch her breast and kiss her while smelling of alcohol. Following this incident, the two women discussed their experiences, and the matter was reported to the police. Colledge was subsequently arrested in June of the previous year.

During police interviews, Colledge admitted that his alcohol dependence and use of anti-depressants at the time might have influenced his behavior. His defense team, led by Daniel Oscroft, emphasized his remorse and shame, noting that he had no valid explanation for his actions. They also highlighted his background, including his service as a police officer until 1990, his struggles with depression and alcoholism, and his role as his wife’s full-time carer during the time of the last assault.

Judge Richard Griffith-Jones addressed Colledge directly, questioning whether a consecutive sentence was necessary and whether an immediate custodial sentence was justified. The defense acknowledged Colledge’s remorse and his efforts to reflect on his past behavior since giving up alcohol in the mid-2000s. The judge acknowledged Colledge’s age and health issues but emphasized that these factors could not excuse his misconduct, especially given the serious nature of the offenses.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Griffith-Jones stated that the passage of many years did not diminish the severity of the crimes. He confirmed that the case exceeded the threshold for custody, especially considering the vulnerable state of the victims and the nature of the unwelcome advances made by Colledge while under the influence of alcohol. The judge sentenced Colledge to two nine-month terms for each set of offenses, to run consecutively, but indicated that these could be suspended, reflecting the gravity of the crimes and the need for accountability.