MICHAEL GRAHAM FROM BLACKPOOL AND EMLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN BRADFORD

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Blackpool and Emley, Michael Graham, a man with a disturbing history of abusing young boys, was sentenced in Bradford Crown Court for a series of heinous sexual offenses. Graham, aged 43, was convicted on ten counts of sexual abuse involving five young boys in the Emley area, with incidents spanning from 1987 to 1992.

During the court proceedings, Graham was found guilty of multiple serious crimes, including simulating sexual intercourse with a six-year-old child and committing indecent assaults on four other boys aged between six and eleven. The identities of the victims have been protected for legal reasons, but the impact of Graham’s actions has been described as deeply damaging.

Graham appeared in the dock at Bradford Crown Court, standing motionless as Judge Jonathan Rose delivered a stern condemnation of his actions. The judge expressed regret that the law did not permit a longer sentence, stating that he would have imposed a term of up to twenty years—four years for each of the five victims—if it were within his power. The judge also criticized Graham for his lack of remorse and his continued denial of guilt.

The court heard that Graham’s predatory behavior began when he was just 19 years old. He exploited the trust placed in him by the boys’ parents, who often allowed him to look after their children. On at least one occasion, Graham took the boys to his own home, further abusing their trust. His methods included luring children with offers of lollipops and promises to show them animals, including a pet rabbit, to gain their compliance.

Once he had gained their trust, Graham subjected the boys to sexual acts, forced them to witness indecent acts, and showed them obscene images through magazines and videos. His actions were described as both depraved and calculated, with the judge condemning his breach of trust and his exploitation of vulnerable children for his own sexual gratification.

Judge Rose sentenced Graham to four years in prison, but emphasized that this was a reflection of the severity of his crimes. Graham, who now resides on Park Road in St Annes near Blackpool, will serve half of his sentence, less the 70 days he has already spent in custody on remand. Additionally, he will be subject to a Sexual Offences Provision Order and is required to register on the Sexual Offenders Register indefinitely.

The judge did not hold back in his condemnation, describing Graham’s offenses as “deviant, depraved, paedophilic,” committed over a significant period and involving multiple victims. He pointed out that Graham had shown no remorse, denying the allegations at every stage and calling the victims despicable in his interviews. The court heard that Graham had also engaged in grooming behaviors, such as offering lollipops, buying birthday presents for the children, and hanging around near play areas, all of which underscored the predatory nature of his crimes.

Judge Rose concluded by stating, “You are despised for what you have done,” making it clear that Graham’s actions have caused irreparable harm to the young men involved. The court’s decision aims to serve justice and protect the community from further harm by ensuring Graham remains under supervision and registration for the foreseeable future.