MICHAEL CRATCHLEY SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN JAIL IN HEREFORD FOR MOLESTATION OF YOUNG GIRLS

In May 2000, Michael Cratchley, a bus driver from Redhill, Hereford, was sentenced to four years in prison for sexually abusing six young girls over an 11-year period. Worcester Crown Court heard that Cratchley told a 13-year-old victim he might marry her, stating, "He might even marry her," during the trial.

Cratchley, who had not had a girlfriend in the past 20 years, committed his attacks at various locations including his council house, a lock-up garage, a car, and in woods. A jury convicted him of 22 counts of indecent assault but cleared him of two similar charges.

Judge Michael Mott emphasized that the sentence needed to be substantial due to the number of victims. He stated, "The sentence has to be substantial because of the sheer number of victims," adding that some victims had been deeply affected and the emotional scars might last a lifetime.

As part of his sentence, the judge ordered Cratchley to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Prosecutor Nicolas Cartwright detailed how the abuse began in 1988, with some victims visiting his home while Cratchley’s mother and disabled brother were alive, and continued even after their deaths. The victims ranged in age from six to 13, and some visited to borrow Disney videos.

Cratchley developed a crush on one girl, telling her he might marry her when she turned 18 and engaging in kissing and cuddling; he even suggested sexual activity behind a tree. The girl later confided in her mother after enduring months of fondling, leading to a police investigation.

A 20-year-old woman revealed she was 'gobsmacked' upon hearing about the investigation and disclosed that Cratchley had simulated sex with her in a garage eight years earlier. Detectives also identified four other victims with similar accounts.

Additional victims recounted suggestive comments about their bodies. One 19-year-old stated, "He touched me so many times I can't recall them all."

During police interviews, Cratchley admitted to limited touching but claimed he was 'pratting about.' He also insisted he loved the 13-year-old girl as a friend, denying any sexual attraction.

Defense lawyer Peter Carr argued that Cratchley had not enticed children to visit his home. Cratchley had already served seven months in custody on remand and described the experience as challenging.