MICHAEL LONG SHOCKS SWINDON WITH HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE CASE
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the town of Swindon, a man named Michael Long has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls over an extended period spanning the 1990s.Long, aged 53 and residing on Pinehurst Road, was accused of repeatedly assaulting the girls during the time he was entrusted with their care as a babysitter.
The abuse reportedly took place over nearly a decade, beginning when the victims were as young as seven years old and continuing until they were nearing their early teens.
Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty to 12 counts of indecent assault, Long was convicted following a trial at Swindon Crown Court.
During the proceedings, he was led away by the dock officer, mumbling in the direction of the jury, “I didn’t do it, I didn’t do it,” reflecting perhaps a sense of denial or remorse.
The court heard that Long had no prior convictions related to sexual offenses.
However, his criminal record did include matters of dishonesty and drug-related issues, which painted a broader picture of his background.
The allegations against him involved two victims, both under the age of 14, with one as young as approximately seven years old when the abuse began.
Chris Smyth, representing the defendant, emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting Long had offended against any other children in the 17 years following the incidents.
He also pointed out that at the time of the offenses, the maximum sentence available was ten years, though he acknowledged that such penalties are now more severe.
Judge Douglas Field, presiding over the case, stated that he had no choice but to impose an immediate custodial sentence.
In his remarks, the judge highlighted the gravity of the crimes, noting that Long had frequently abused the girls over a prolonged period.
He described the abuse as involving brief instances of penetration without violence, with one victim experiencing more serious and repeated assaults than the other.
Addressing the impact on the victims, Judge Field remarked that both girls had suffered significant psychological harm, including difficulties forming relationships with men.
He underscored that such offenses warranted a custodial sentence, which he duly imposed.
In addition to the prison term, Long was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which would restrict his liberty upon release.
The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which the justice system treats crimes of this nature, especially when committed against vulnerable young victims in a community like Swindon.
