MICHAEL HAWTHORNE AND SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCE IN SUNDERLAND
A man named Michael Hawthorne, who was living in Sunderland, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of disturbing crimes involving the exploitation of children and violent assault.Hawthorne’s actions came under the scrutiny of vigilant paedophile hunters after he attempted to engage in sexual activity with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl online.
The incident began in September 2021 when Hawthorne made contact with a profile run by the Child Online Safety Team, a dedicated vigilante group targeting online child exploitation.
Under the guise of a teenage girl, Hawthorne quickly shifted the conversation into sexual territory.
Prosecutors revealed that he requested explicit images and expressed a desire to meet the girl in person, specifically mentioning plans to drink alcohol and engage in sexual acts.
Hawthorne also instructed the decoy to lie about her age, suggesting she tell others she was 19 and advising her to wear makeup to appear older.
According to the court proceedings, authorities detained Hawthorne when he arranged to meet what he believed was a child.
He was subsequently released on bail but did not cease his misconduct.
Instead, after his release, Hawthorne proceeded to assault and intimidate a vulnerable woman.
The details of this latter incident reveal a pattern of coercive and aggressive behaviour.
The prosecution, represented by Annelise Haugstad, told Newcastle Crown Court that Hawthorne’s initial online communications focused on questions about sex and requests for photographs.
Mr.
Haugstad stated, “He messaged her about meeting up and there's talk of sex taking place either in a public toilet or his shared accommodation after they had bought alcohol with her holiday money.
He made repeated requests to have sex with her.” The court was also informed that following his arrest for attempting to engage with a minor online, Hawthorne was released on bail.
However, he then entered into a short relationship with a woman described as vulnerable.
Within just two days of meeting her, Hawthorne exploited her kindness by refusing to leave her flat, consuming her food, and insisting she pay for drugs and alcohol.
He also prevented her from seeing friends and became increasingly controlling.
His aggression escalated when he was eventually removed from her residence and re-arrested.
Despite being told not to return, Hawthorne later assaulted her and issued threats, warning her that if she pursued charges, he would set her flat on fire with her inside.
Hawthorne, now aged 40, originally from Blyth but currently residing on High Street East in Sunderland, has an extensive criminal record with 55 previous convictions.
His conviction covers multiple charges: arranging or facilitating a child sex offence, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming, assault, and witness intimidation.
He was sentenced to a total of three years and eleven months in prison.
Furthermore, he is required to sign the sex offender register for an indefinite period and is subject to court-imposed sexual harm prevention and restraining orders to prevent further offences.
During the sentencing, David Callan, representing Hawthorne, offered a personal background, stating, “He has not had an easy life, he had a rough upbringing.
He has an alcohol dependency.
It's the first time he has committed a sexual offence.” The court also acknowledged that Hawthorne suffers from learning difficulties and mental health issues, which played a part in his offending behavior.
