MICHAEL HIGH BANNED FOR LIFE AFTER HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN HULL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the city of Hull, Michael High, aged 31, has been subjected to a comprehensive and lifelong ban from any contact with minors following his heinous crimes involving a young girl. The incident came to light after police uncovered a diary belonging to the victim, which detailed the abuse she endured at the hands of High, leading to his conviction and subsequent sentencing.

High, a resident of North Hull, was brought before Hull Crown Court where a jury found him guilty of three counts of raping a child under the age of 13. The court heard that the offences took place in 2010, and the severity of his crimes prompted the judge to impose a severe and indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

Judge John Swanson, presiding over the case, explicitly ordered that High must have no contact whatsoever with anyone under the age of 16. This prohibition extends to all forms of communication, including text messages, phone calls, emails, or letters. Furthermore, High is barred from participating in any organized activity, whether paid or unpaid, that could bring him into contact with minors. He is also prohibited from residing in any household where children under 16 reside.

The conviction was based on evidence that included the victim’s own words, which were recorded in her diary. The young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, had written about her terrifying experiences, including being raped in High’s car while he played inappropriate tapes for her. The diary was discovered after the girl, overwhelmed by fear, confided in a friend and broke down. Extracts of her writings were read aloud during the trial, revealing her distress and the extent of her trauma.

The court heard that after the assault, High attempted to bribe the girl with money to continue the abuse. The girl described her ordeal in her diary, which she kept hidden under her pillow, hoping that someday someone would read her notes and understand what she had endured. She recounted her fear of High, who threatened to harm her if she disclosed the abuse, even warning that he would kill her if she told anyone.

In her own words, the girl explained, “He had rude tapes in his car and he kept playing them. He told me he would hurt me if I didn’t do it. He said if I told he would kill me. I was scared and worried. I was so scared of him. I made notes in my diary. It was under my pillow. I hoped someone in the future would read it and I described what he did. When the police first came I was too scared to say what he had done to me so I drew a picture. I was too scared to tell anyone about it.”

The jury took two days to reach a verdict, ultimately convicting High of the charges. In addition to the rape convictions, High pleaded guilty to one count of indecent assault. The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender for life, emphasizing the seriousness of his crimes.

Judge Swanson addressed High directly, stating, “These are very serious offences. The public and newspapers think sentences are too lenient, but sentences imposed by me tend to shock the public by their severity. I do take into account you are less able to cope with physical urges than some because perhaps you are not the brightest of people. A very substantial period of imprisonment has to follow.”

High’s case underscores the ongoing concerns about safeguarding children and the importance of strict legal measures to prevent convicted offenders from reoffending. The community of Hull can now be assured that measures are in place to protect its vulnerable young residents from individuals like Michael High.