MICHAEL GRAHAM FROM KESWICK SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN CUMBRIA

In January 2013, a soldier from Keswick was sentenced to prison following a series of disturbing crimes involving underage girls in Cumbria. Paratrooper Michael James Graham, aged 26, was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with two underage schoolgirls after luring them into a remote woodland area. The court heard that Graham, who had recently been stationed at Army barracks in South Wales, had taken the two girls into the woods near Penrith, where he committed sexual acts with each of them.

Graham’s criminal behavior was further compounded by his possession and download of over 1,700 indecent photographs of children, some of which depicted children as young as five years old. The details of his interactions with the girls emerged during the trial, revealing that he had initially met them through an internet dating chatroom in the summer of 2011. Despite being aware of their young ages—one girl was 14 and the other 15—Graham’s conversations with them quickly turned sexually explicit.

In August 2011, Graham arranged to meet the girls in a village near Penrith. From there, the trio proceeded into a wooded area, where Graham laid coats on the ground and engaged in sexual acts with both girls. The court was told that he also committed other sex acts during this encounter, which was described as deeply disturbing by the judge.

During the sentencing hearing, defense barrister Keith Thomas argued that the girls appeared willing participants. He emphasized that Graham’s primary desire was to serve as a soldier, but his actions had now jeopardized his military career, with the possibility of being dishonorably discharged. Mr. Thomas also highlighted the difficulties Graham would face in finding civilian employment following his conviction and expressed that Graham was “deeply ashamed” of his conduct. He conveyed that Graham regretted the impact his actions had on his family, especially his mother, and that he was now unable to face returning home due to the potential repercussions.

Judge Peter Davies delivered the sentence, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation. He stated that Graham, at 26, was fully aware of the girls’ ages and their vulnerability. The judge condemned Graham for corrupting and exploiting the girls, warning that the psychological effects of his actions could last for many years. Graham was sentenced to three and a half years in prison and was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the court’s concern for public safety.