MICHAEL GREATBATCH FROM REDDITCH SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN TAXI

In December 2009, a deeply disturbing case unfolded involving Michael Leslie Greatbatch, a resident of Redditch, who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses against a vulnerable young girl. The incident took place while Greatbatch was operating his taxi service, and the victim was a 13-year-old girl with significant mental disabilities.

Greatbatch, then 67 years old, was found guilty in Birmingham Crown Court of engaging in three separate counts of sexual activity with a person suffering from a mental disorder. The court heard that during a routine drive to a special school in Birmingham, Greatbatch subjected the young girl to a series of sexual assaults. The girl, who had the mental capacity of a much younger child, was coerced into performing a sexual act on him before he proceeded to rape and sodomize her.

The severity of the crime was underscored by the court's decision to impose a substantial prison sentence. Greatbatch was sentenced to a total of 13 years behind bars, with a minimum of four years to be served in custody, excluding the time he had already spent on remand. The court also mandated that he register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the gravity of his offenses.

Furthermore, as part of his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), Greatbatch was explicitly prohibited from several activities designed to protect vulnerable minors. These restrictions included not residing in the same premises with any female under the age of 16, not engaging in any unpaid work or activities involving females under 16, and not providing transportation to any female under 16.

By October 2013, Greatbatch had been released from prison and was living near a nursery in Batchley, Redditch. Despite his release, he remained under strict supervision and legal restrictions to prevent any further harm. As of January 2019, he continued to reside in the Redditch area, with ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with his legal obligations and to safeguard the community from potential risks.