MICHAEL CROPTON SENTENCED IN GLOUCESTER FOR SEX CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN IN BRISTOL AND GLOUCESTER

In a case that has shocked the communities of Bristol and Gloucester, Michael Cropton, a 42-year-old man from Stonehouse, Gloucester, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his involvement in a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against minors. The proceedings took place at Bristol Crown Court, where Cropton was handed a 20-year prison sentence. In addition to his time behind bars, he will serve an extended six-year license period following his release, during which he will be subject to strict supervision. Furthermore, Cropton has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, and a Sexual Offenders Prevention Order (SOPO) has been issued against him, which will remain in effect indefinitely.

Alongside Cropton, a 39-year-old woman was also convicted and sentenced to 32 months in prison. Due to legal restrictions, her identity cannot be disclosed publicly. She, too, will be registered as a sex offender. Both Cropton and the woman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to sexually assault a child under the age of 13, as well as charges related to arranging or facilitating child sex offenses. These allegations specifically concern two young girls who were victims of their criminal activities.

In addition to these charges, Cropton admitted to four counts of rape involving a third victim, a boy. The details of the case reveal a disturbing pattern of grooming and exploitation, with Cropton using manipulative tactics to lure and abuse vulnerable children. The investigation uncovered that Cropton had met the woman through an online dating platform in 2013. Over time, he encouraged her to participate in the sexual abuse of children, further complicating the case and highlighting the extent of his manipulative behavior.

Detective Inspector Gary Stephens, of the Avon and Somerset Police’s Public Protection Unit, spoke about the case, describing it as “distressing and harrowing.” He emphasized Cropton’s manipulative nature, noting that he employed classic grooming techniques to identify and target vulnerable children for abuse. Inspector Stephens praised the investigative team for their diligent work, which led to the overwhelming evidence that resulted in Cropton’s guilty plea.

He also expressed concern that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Inspector Stephens urged anyone with information or who has been in a relationship with Cropton to contact the authorities confidentially. He concluded by stating, “Cropton is now in the right place, and the community is a much safer place without him in it.”