MICHAEL HARGAVE AND SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENCES IN LONDON
A man described as 'dangerous' has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 13 years and 8 months after admitting to multiple serious sexual offences involving two children in Hertfordshire.Michael Hargave, aged 31 and residing on Loch Crescent in Edgware, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on August 10, where he pleaded guilty to six separate charges related to his misconduct.
The investigation into Hargave’s activities was initiated after a 14-year-old girl from Hemel Hempstead reported engaging in sexual activities with a man she had met online.
This report led authorities to arrest Hargave at his residence in Kings Langley on May 11, 2023.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officials uncovered evidence of a second victim, a nine-year-old girl from Hemel Hempstead, who was subsequently safeguarded by officers.
The criminal charges against Hargave included two counts of sexual communication with a child, three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act, and one count of inciting a child to participate in sexual activities.
Additionally, he faced three counts of breaching a sexual harm prevention order and one count of failing to comply with notification requirements, which are legal obligations for registered sex offenders.
The offences spanned from January 2022 to April 2023, with Hargave initially meeting both victims through Snapchat, a social media platform.
It was through this online communication that he established contact with the 14-year-old girl, eventually arranging to meet her in person, which led to the commission of the offences.
Detective Sergeant Sam Jarvis, a member of the child online safeguarding team, commented on the case, stating, “This was a good result for the team, who have taken another very dangerous offender off the streets thanks to the bravery of the two victims.
We will continue to identify and proactively target those within Hertfordshire who pose a sexual risk towards children.” As part of his sentencing, Hargave was given an extended period of five years on licence, meaning he will be under supervision even after his release from prison.
He is also required to register as a sex offender and must adhere indefinitely to the conditions set out in a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
These conditions are designed to restrict his activities and prevent further offences.
The licence conditions impose strict rules that Hargave must follow if he is released into the community, and any breach of these conditions could result in his recall to custody.
The authorities emphasized their ongoing commitment to protecting children and ensuring that offenders like Hargave are kept away from the public for as long as possible.
