MICHAEL FITZMAURICE FROM BURNAGE JAILED FOR ONLINE SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRL IN LONDON

In December 2015, a disturbing case of online sexual exploitation came to light involving Michael Fitzmaurice, a 26-year-old man from Burnage. Over a period of four years, Fitzmaurice engaged in a series of predatory behaviors targeting a young girl, beginning when she was only 11 years old. His actions, carried out through various internet platforms, included grooming, coercion, and explicit sexual activities, which ultimately led to his arrest and conviction.

Fitzmaurice first initiated contact with the girl through online gaming and chat applications, where he gradually built a relationship based on trust and manipulation. As their communication progressed, he encouraged her to perform sexual acts on herself and watched him perform similar acts via webcam. His grooming tactics escalated to the point where he convinced her to meet him in London when she was just 13 years old, despite the obvious risks and her young age.

Despite his efforts to conceal his tracks, Fitzmaurice was eventually apprehended by officers from the National Crime Agency. The authorities raided his residence on Burnage Lane in Burnage, uncovering evidence that included chat logs, which Fitzmaurice had attempted to erase. He had also instructed the girl to remain silent about their interactions, further demonstrating his intent to hide his misconduct.

The offences committed by Fitzmaurice spanned four years, beginning when he was 21 and the girl was only 11. He faced multiple charges, including sexual activity with a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual acts, engaging in sexual acts in the presence of a child, and meeting a child following sexual grooming. During the trial, it was revealed that the girl had texted a friend after Fitzmaurice ordered her to strip and perform a sex act on webcam, illustrating the coercive nature of his abuse.

Prosecutor William Baker described the victim’s reaction, stating, “She was clearly shocked at what he had done, in her words she was ‘frozen.’” The court heard that the girl was subjected to a series of manipulative and abusive acts over the years, which Fitzmaurice carried out with a disturbing level of awareness and intent.

In his defense, lawyer Dan Gaskell, representing Fitzmaurice, acknowledged his client’s immaturity and initial desire for the company of younger individuals. Gaskell described Fitzmaurice as someone who had sought out the company of those younger than himself, but who, in a moment of great shame, crossed the line into abuse. He expressed concern about Fitzmaurice’s ability to rehabilitate, citing his struggles to cope with society and his resorting to fantasies and behaviors that spiraled out of control.

Gaskell also highlighted the dangers posed by the internet, noting that it can open a “Pandora’s Box,” allowing young girls access to material and conversations that are inappropriate and potentially harmful. He remarked on Fitzmaurice’s awareness of the girl’s age, suggesting that her level of self-awareness at such a young age was troubling.

Judge David Stockdale QC sentenced Fitzmaurice to four years in prison, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. The judge stated, “You corrupted her. These are extremely serious sexual offences, however willing she was to act as you incited her to act, she was very, very young. You exploited her willingness and her vulnerability.”

Following his conviction, Fitzmaurice was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his future contact with children and limits his access to the internet, aiming to prevent any further harm and protect potential victims.