MICHAEL EDGE FROM STOCKPORT JAILED AFTER PREDATORY PLOT NEAR MANCHESTER
| Red Rose Database
Stockport Rapist
In April 2018, a disturbing case unfolded involving Michael Edge, a resident of Stockport, who found himself behind bars after a series of alarming events that exposed his predatory intentions towards a young girl. The incident began when Edge, aged 29, engaged in a sinister online conversation, believing he was communicating with a 12-year-old girl. Over the course of two weeks, he exchanged messages with what he thought was a minor, discussing plans that were deeply inappropriate and concerning.
The situation escalated when vigilante groups, specifically Justice4Kids, orchestrated a sting operation on Facebook in Bredbury, near Stockport. During the live broadcast, Edge was confronted at his doorstep by members of the group. The confrontation was intense, with one of his neighbors heard shouting threats such as, “I will fucking kill you with my bare hands,” in a display of the volatile reaction from the local community. The vigilantes made it clear that they believed Edge was a danger, and their actions drew immediate attention from the police.
As police arrived approximately an hour later, they took Edge into custody. The situation outside his home grew tense, with members of the public gathering and expressing their anger. Justice4Kids issued a statement urging the community not to visit Edge’s residence, emphasizing that his family members were also victims of the public’s wrath. Following his arrest, Edge was bailed and temporarily relocated to a family home. However, the aftermath of the sting operation saw him subjected to abuse from members of the public, prompting authorities to take him back into custody for his own safety.
Legal proceedings revealed that Edge had attempted to arrange a meeting with the girl at Manchester Piccadilly station, intending to take her to a nearby park with the intent of engaging in sexual activity. Prosecutor Lisa Boocock outlined that Edge had discussed the possibility of meeting her and even suggested she watch pornography to “learn about sex.” The court heard that although the girl did not suggest any activity, Edge’s intentions were clear, and he expressed a desire to meet her in a secluded park for sexual purposes. The court described this as an attempted offence, noting that no actual meeting or distress was caused to the girl, but the intent was unmistakable.
Further complicating the case was a confrontation at Edge’s home involving members of Justice4Kids, which led to police intervention and his subsequent arrest. After being released on bail, he returned to a family residence but was quickly re-arrested the following day due to the hostile reactions from the community.
Edge admitted to attempting to meet a child after grooming her online. His legal representative, Lee Hughes, argued in mitigation that the harm was limited, emphasizing that no girl was groomed or placed at risk, and that there was no actual exchange of explicit images. Hughes also pointed out that the live Facebook broadcast contributed to the public’s reaction, which was beyond Edge’s control. He expressed that Edge felt profound shame and remorse for his actions.
Judge John Edwards delivered the sentence, acknowledging Edge’s honesty and early plea. The judge expressed concern over Edge’s willingness to encourage a girl he believed to be 12 years old to meet him, with intentions of sexual assault. The judge stated, “You wished to meet her at Manchester Piccadilly railway station and take her to a park and engage in what would have been the rape of a 12-year-old girl. You wanted to make that a reality.” Ultimately, Edge was sentenced to 12 months in prison for his actions, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat online grooming and protect vulnerable minors in the Stockport and Manchester areas.
The situation escalated when vigilante groups, specifically Justice4Kids, orchestrated a sting operation on Facebook in Bredbury, near Stockport. During the live broadcast, Edge was confronted at his doorstep by members of the group. The confrontation was intense, with one of his neighbors heard shouting threats such as, “I will fucking kill you with my bare hands,” in a display of the volatile reaction from the local community. The vigilantes made it clear that they believed Edge was a danger, and their actions drew immediate attention from the police.
As police arrived approximately an hour later, they took Edge into custody. The situation outside his home grew tense, with members of the public gathering and expressing their anger. Justice4Kids issued a statement urging the community not to visit Edge’s residence, emphasizing that his family members were also victims of the public’s wrath. Following his arrest, Edge was bailed and temporarily relocated to a family home. However, the aftermath of the sting operation saw him subjected to abuse from members of the public, prompting authorities to take him back into custody for his own safety.
Legal proceedings revealed that Edge had attempted to arrange a meeting with the girl at Manchester Piccadilly station, intending to take her to a nearby park with the intent of engaging in sexual activity. Prosecutor Lisa Boocock outlined that Edge had discussed the possibility of meeting her and even suggested she watch pornography to “learn about sex.” The court heard that although the girl did not suggest any activity, Edge’s intentions were clear, and he expressed a desire to meet her in a secluded park for sexual purposes. The court described this as an attempted offence, noting that no actual meeting or distress was caused to the girl, but the intent was unmistakable.
Further complicating the case was a confrontation at Edge’s home involving members of Justice4Kids, which led to police intervention and his subsequent arrest. After being released on bail, he returned to a family residence but was quickly re-arrested the following day due to the hostile reactions from the community.
Edge admitted to attempting to meet a child after grooming her online. His legal representative, Lee Hughes, argued in mitigation that the harm was limited, emphasizing that no girl was groomed or placed at risk, and that there was no actual exchange of explicit images. Hughes also pointed out that the live Facebook broadcast contributed to the public’s reaction, which was beyond Edge’s control. He expressed that Edge felt profound shame and remorse for his actions.
Judge John Edwards delivered the sentence, acknowledging Edge’s honesty and early plea. The judge expressed concern over Edge’s willingness to encourage a girl he believed to be 12 years old to meet him, with intentions of sexual assault. The judge stated, “You wished to meet her at Manchester Piccadilly railway station and take her to a park and engage in what would have been the rape of a 12-year-old girl. You wanted to make that a reality.” Ultimately, Edge was sentenced to 12 months in prison for his actions, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat online grooming and protect vulnerable minors in the Stockport and Manchester areas.