BLACKPOOL MAN MICHAEL KINNEAR AND WIFE NICOLA KINNEAR SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AND DETENTION OF 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In May 2023, a tragic case involving a 13-year-old girl from Blackpool culminated in the sentencing of Michael Kinnear, aged 41, and his wife Nicola Kinnear, aged 40, for their roles in her unlawful detention and sexual abuse.The events leading up to their conviction date back to April 2009, when the young girl, who was in foster care at the time, went missing from her placement.
Her disappearance prompted a police investigation that would eventually uncover a disturbing sequence of events involving the Kinnears.
According to reports, the girl was missing for six days before she was found at the Kinnears’ terraced residence on Fairfield Road in the North Shore area of Blackpool.
The police had previously visited the property during their search but were told she was not there.
It was only after tracing her mobile phone, which had been used to contact a missing persons helpline, that officers identified her location.
When officers returned to the Kinnears’ home, they were initially met with denial from the couple, who claimed no knowledge of her whereabouts.
However, subsequent investigations confirmed her presence at their address.
Both Michael and Nicola Kinnear admitted to detaining the girl at their home, a decision that was deemed unlawful and a form of child abduction.
The court heard that the girl was lured into their house under false pretenses, with promises of shelter and food.
Once inside, she was kept against her will, and Michael Kinnear engaged in sexual activity with her.
The police investigation revealed that the couple failed to notify authorities about her presence, which contributed to the delay in her rescue.
DC Andy Rigby, representing Blackpool Police and the Blackpool Council’s Awaken Team—a dedicated initiative aimed at combating the exploitation of vulnerable children—spoke about the case.
He explained that the girl, who was unhappy with her foster placement, was introduced to the Kinnears through a mutual teenage friend.
During her six-day stay at their home, the couple did not contact any authorities, effectively abducting her.
The sexual activity committed by Michael Kinnear was described by the judge as a classic case of grooming, where the girl was given free rein and no rules, with her being fed and clothed during her stay.
Further investigation traced the mobile phone used by the girl, which ultimately led to the discovery of her location.
The police visited the Kinnears’ address multiple times, during which the couple initially denied any involvement.
It was only after the mobile phone was traced again that they admitted her presence, claiming she saw their home as a safe haven.
However, the police emphasized that she was not physically locked inside but was allowed to stay there, highlighting the importance of understanding the motives behind such actions.
The case underscored the need for children to be cautious and aware that no one offers help without expecting something in return.
In court, Michael Kinnear pleaded guilty to charges of detaining a child to prevent lawful control and engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
He was sentenced to 33 months in prison, placed on the sex offenders register for seven years, and received a ten-year Sex Offenders Prevention Order (SOPO).
Nicola Kinnear was sentenced to 16 months for her role in detaining the girl.
Both were disqualified from working with children indefinitely.
The judge’s decision reflected the seriousness of their actions and the need to protect vulnerable young people from exploitation.
Following her rescue, the girl has since left Blackpool and is now settled back into care, with authorities stating she is gradually putting the traumatic experience behind her.
DC Rigby expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the complexity of the investigation and the importance of justice.
He also highlighted that the couple did not initially plead guilty but did so at the start of the trial, which contributed to the sentencing decisions.
Overall, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by vulnerable children and the importance of vigilance and swift action by law enforcement and social services.
