EX-POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL INSKIP FROM SWINDON JAILED FOR INDECENT ASSAULTS IN PORTSMOUTH AND STRATTON ST MARGARET
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities, Michael Inskip, a former police officer with ties to Swindon and Stratton St Margaret, has been sentenced to prison for serious allegations of indecent assault spanning over two decades.The conviction stems from incidents that occurred during the 1980s and 1990s, involving a young girl who was under the age of 16 at the time.
Inskip, aged 63 at the time of sentencing, previously resided on Boundary Close in Stratton St Margaret, a suburb of Swindon.
The court proceedings revealed that he was found guilty on October 13 of two counts of indecent assault against the young girl.
These charges specifically pertain to inappropriate acts committed during the 1980s and 1990s, a period during which the alleged abuse took place.
Despite the conviction on these two counts, the jury acquitted him of three similar allegations, and they were unable to reach a verdict on two additional counts of indecent assault, leaving those charges unresolved.
The sentencing took place at Portsmouth Crown Court, where Judge Stephen Climie handed down a sentence of three years and nine months in prison.
The court heard that the offences occurred nearly thirty years ago, and the case has been a long-standing concern for the victims and the community alike.
Inskip, who has since moved to Newcastle Emlyn in Wales, was also accused of inappropriately touching one of the victims, a charge for which he was convicted.
During the court proceedings, Inskip was visibly emotional, with tears streaming down his face as the verdict was read.
The judge, however, issued a stern warning regarding the potential for future sentencing, emphasizing that the court would proceed with sentencing in due course.
Judge Climie stated, “There will come a time when I have to proceed to a sentencing in this case.
The guidelines set out for offences of this kind state a significant term of imprisonment.
I am allowing you bail, but you should not think that guaranteeing you bail is indicative of the likelihood of my sentencing against you.
You are bailed on the same terms as you were previously, but I must stress there is to be no contact between either parties in this case.” The Crown Prosecution Service is now tasked with deciding whether to pursue a re-trial on the two counts where the jury could not reach a verdict.
The final sentencing for the charges on which Inskip was convicted is scheduled to take place at a later date, potentially at Guildford Crown Court, where the full extent of justice will be served for the victims and the community of Swindon and Portsmouth.
