MICHAEL IRELAND'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN STOCKPORT: HEALER SENTENCED FOR 16 YEARS FOR MULTIPLE VICTIMS

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Stockport, Michael Ireland, a 60-year-old spiritual healer and clairvoyant, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to a total of 25 counts of sexual offences. The crimes spanned over a quarter of a century, during which Ireland exploited his position of trust to sexually abuse eight women, including two minors, under the guise of providing spiritual and emotional healing.

Ireland’s method of operation involved offering treatments in his own home, where he claimed to be removing 'emotional blockages' from his vulnerable clients. His role as a Reiki master and psychic healer often placed him in settings such as spiritualist churches and psychic centres, where he built a reputation as a medium capable of healing through unconventional means. However, beneath this facade, he used his influence to satisfy his own sexual desires, targeting women who sought his help during emotionally fragile times.

Prosecutors detailed how Ireland would manipulate his victims, convincing them that their problems could only be resolved through his controversial healing techniques. One woman, whom he met at a church in 2009 during a healing class, confided in him about suffering from bad dreams. Ireland told her she was 'carrying demons' and claimed he could rid her of them by blowing on her mouth and stomach. The court heard that he then proceeded to touch her intimately while she was lying on his treatment table, convincing her that this was part of her healing process. The victim later admitted that she had convinced herself that Ireland’s inappropriate behaviour was normal and acceptable.

Further allegations revealed that Ireland told another woman her private parts were 'not working' and needed healing, while a third victim was told her sexual chakra points were blocked. In a bizarre twist, Ireland convinced her to 'heal' him by touching his private parts, claiming he could feel the energy moving. Witnesses described Ireland as a 'very strong, powerful personality' who commanded a presence that made victims feel compelled to comply.

The case also uncovered Ireland’s disturbing history of sexual offences against minors. One of his victims was a young girl with emotional problems, introduced to him by her mother, who had previously undergone healing sessions with Ireland. Starting from the age of 15, Ireland repeatedly abused her under the pretense of providing spiritual healing. His earliest known victim was only seven or eight years old when the abuse began, continuing into her early teens. The court heard that Ireland’s misconduct extended back to the mid-1980s, with another victim from 2010, highlighting a pattern of predatory behaviour.

During the trial, emotional scenes unfolded in the courtroom. One middle-aged woman in the public gallery burst into tears as the details of her abuse were recounted and had to leave briefly before returning for the sentencing. Several victims have suffered long-term psychological trauma; one now experiences flashbacks and has become a recluse, another feels 'sullied' by the experience, and a third has lost trust in others entirely.

Ireland’s criminal record includes a previous conviction from 1972, when he was fined for indecently assaulting a girl under 14 at the age of 18. His defence argued that the process of justice had been a 'shock' to him and that he was suffering from various health issues. Despite this, Ireland had previously attempted to continue his practice under different aliases, even after his initial convictions.

Judge Mushtaq Khokhar, presiding over the case at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, condemned Ireland’s abuse of trust. He emphasized that Ireland’s relationship with his victims resembled that of a doctor and patient, a relationship built on immense trust which he egregiously exploited. The judge noted that pre-sentence reports indicated Ireland posed a significant risk of reoffending and continued to be a danger to the public.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Khokhar highlighted the tragic irony that Ireland had claimed to have been a victim of childhood abuse himself, yet he failed to consider the impact of his actions on his victims. Ireland was sentenced to 16 years in prison for multiple sexual offences, including sexual assault, activity with a child, assault by penetration, and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and will serve an extra three years on licence after his release from custody. Ireland’s address was noted as Bosden Fold, Stockport, where he will serve his sentence and be monitored to prevent further harm.