MAN FROM MANCHESTER MICHAEL LOACH SENT TO JAIL FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON GIRLS IN RADCLIFFE AND ANGEL MEADOWS
In a serious case that has shocked the local community, Michael Loach, a 35-year-old man from Manchester, was sentenced to three years in prison at Bolton Crown Court last Thursday for a series of disturbing indecent assaults involving young girls.The court proceedings revealed that Loach, residing at Sutherland Flats, Angel Meadows, pleaded guilty in December to three counts of sexual touching, highlighting the severity of his actions and the swift justice served.
The incidents took place on the morning of Friday, July 6, 2007, and involved multiple victims.
According to court reports, two schoolgirls were walking to their educational institution in Radcliffe when Loach approached them under the pretense of seeking directions.
As the girls responded, Loach suddenly reached forward and attempted to grab one of them, committing an indecent assault.
The girl managed to break free and ran away from the scene, but Loach’s aggressive behavior did not end there.
He then grabbed the skirt of the second girl, ripping it in the process, before she also managed to escape and reach her school.
Once at school, the girls reported the incident to their teacher, who promptly contacted the police, initiating an immediate response from law enforcement authorities.
The distressing events did not stop there.
Approximately ten minutes later, Loach approached another young girl, also on her way to school.
He asked her for directions, and as she was providing them, he pushed her against a nearby house wall and indecently assaulted her.
The girl’s screams attracted the attention of neighbors, with one woman stepping outside to see what was happening.
Meanwhile, a man from a nearby house called the police, and another resident observed the incident from his window.
This second witness quickly ran in the direction Loach had fled.
He soon spotted a dark blue Ford Escort stopped at traffic lights, recognizing the vehicle and the man inside as the offender.
Acting swiftly, the witness approached the car, opened the door, and grabbed Loach.
The suspect shouted, “It wasn’t me,” in an attempt to deny his involvement, but the witness was undeterred.
Loach then sped off, but not before the witness recorded the vehicle’s registration number on his mobile phone and flagged down a police patrol.
Officers responded promptly, locating the vehicle shortly afterward.
Loach attempted to escape on foot when police stopped his car, but he was quickly apprehended after a brief chase.
Later that day, police searched Loach’s residence and uncovered a collection of women’s underwear, which investigators believe may be linked to his offending behavior.
Detective Inspector Lynne Vernon from Bury CID commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation.
She stated, “It is thanks to the quick reaction of members of the public that we were able to get Loach so quickly and ensure that he could not continue to prey on young girls in this area.” She also praised the victims for their bravery, saying, “What happened must have been extremely upsetting for the girls but they did exactly the right thing by running away and reporting what had happened to a teacher.” Loach’s conviction and subsequent imprisonment serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community involvement in safeguarding vulnerable individuals from harm.
