MICHAEL DANIEL FROM WORCESTER JAILED FOR PREDATORY SEXUAL ABUSE IN WORCESTER
In a case that has spanned over four decades, Michael Daniel, a man from Worcester, has been sentenced to a significant prison term after being found guilty of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl during the early 1970s.The court proceedings, held at Worcester Crown Court, revealed the disturbing details of the abuse that took place in the city between August 1969 and August 1973, when the victim was just between the ages of eight and twelve.
Michael Daniel, now aged 67 and residing on Newtown Road in Worcester, appeared in court visibly shocked and pale as the verdict was read.
The judge, Nicolas Cartwright, sentenced him to 21 years in prison for the multiple counts of sexual assault.
The sentence was met with emotional reactions from members of Daniel’s family, some gasping and others weeping in the corridor outside the courtroom after the judge delivered his ruling.
During the trial, Daniel maintained his innocence, dismissing the allegations as false and claiming that the young girl was 'living in cloud cuckoo land' and telling 'a pack of lies.' Despite his denials, the jury, composed of seven women and five men, unanimously convicted him on all nine counts, which included one count of rape, six counts of indecent assault, and two counts of indecency with a child.
The verdict was delivered after a five-day trial.
At the time of the abuse, Michael Daniel was employed as a toolmaker.
He had previously lived in Drake Avenue, Dines Green, and later in Henry Street, Barbourne.
The abuse was carried out in various locations, including a bed in his home and his car, which he drove to a secluded area known locally as ‘Co-Op Lane.’ The victim described how she was left in 'terrible pain' after the assaults.
She recounted a particularly poignant moment when, after the abuse, she watched The Beatles perform 'Help' on television, feeling unable to ask for help despite her distress.
She expressed her feelings of shame, stating, “I felt ashamed.
I still do.” The victim only came forward to police in February 2016, after receiving counseling.
She had previously confided in others, including health professionals, about the abuse multiple times, with her first disclosure dating back to 1983.
Her testimony and evidence played a crucial role in securing the conviction.
Judge Nicolas Cartwright, in his sentencing remarks, emphasized the severity of Daniel’s actions, stating, “She was nothing but a child when you first met her and got to know her.
You corrupted her.
It is no exaggeration to say you have ruined her life.” The judge also highlighted Daniel’s prior criminal history, noting that he had served a 30-month sentence in 1974 for burglary with intent to commit rape and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against an adult woman.
The court revealed that Daniel had previously waited in a cupboard at a victim’s home in Northwick, Worcester, before attempting to assault her, an act the judge described as ‘truly scandalous’ and ‘predatory.’ Judge Cartwright condemned Daniel’s actions as a clear indication of his character at the time, stating, “It was only her screams that stopped you going as far as you intended, which was to rape her.” He further criticized Daniel for managing to convince his second wife of his innocence despite his earlier admissions of guilt.
The judge pointed out that Daniel had enjoyed over 43 years of what appeared to be a normal family life, contrasting sharply with the victim’s ongoing suffering.
Throughout the legal process, Daniel showed no remorse for his crimes.
The judge remarked that the current sentencing regime places far greater importance on sexual offenses of this nature than in the past.
The victim’s personal statement detailed the profound and lasting impact of the abuse, including the destruction of her relationship with her parents and her inability to form healthy romantic relationships.
She was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and given incorrect medication until she was correctly diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, which was directly linked to her abuse at Daniel’s hands.
The court imposed a 21-year prison sentence, which includes a three-year extended license period.
Once Daniel has served half of his sentence, he will need to apply for parole before being released on license to serve the remainder of his term under supervision.
