MICHAEL LOVE FROM GRIMSBY AND NEWARK SENTENCED FOR HEINOUS SEX CRIMES IN YORKSHIRE AND LINCOLNSHIRE

In a significant development in the fight against sexual violence, Michael Love, aged 51, has been sentenced to an extensive prison term of 19 and a half years for a series of heinous sex crimes committed in the regions of Grimsby and Newark. The conviction follows a relentless investigation by Humberside Police, which ultimately brought Love to justice after a prolonged period of evasion and investigation.

Love, who was previously residing in Grimsby and also has ties to Newark, became the subject of a dedicated manhunt after he went on the run for three months following the initial allegations. His disappearance prompted a widespread police operation that spanned multiple locations, including the deepest, darkest parts of Norfolk. During this period, authorities tracked him down to a boat he was working on in the Norfolk Broads. Despite efforts to evade capture, Love was eventually located at a cottage in another part of the Broads, where he attempted to flee from police officers Det Con Dharm Chatha and Det Sgt Gary Peck. His resistance underscored his desire to avoid arrest, but the officers' persistence paid off.

The police investigation uncovered that Love was involved in 18 separate sex offences, which included five counts of rape, one attempted rape, nine indecent assaults, and three charges of indecency with a child. The victims ranged from two girls to one boy, and the court heard detailed accounts of the despicable acts committed against them. The lengthy legal process culminated in a conviction that many in the courtroom described as a victory for the victims and a significant step forward in justice.

Following the sentencing, Det Con Dharm Chatha emphasized the importance of the police’s efforts, stating, “It’s a victory for the victims in this case. They were despicable offences.” The sentencing marked the conclusion of a case that had experienced delays, including the discharge of a jury in June of the previous year after new information about one of the victims emerged. Love’s failure to appear at court on November 10 led to a warrant for his arrest, and it was not until February 27 that he was finally apprehended and remanded into custody to face a new trial.

In addition to the criminal charges related to the sexual offences, Love admitted to four separate counts of making indecent photographs of children between June and July of the previous year. Police discovered that he had downloaded 41 images from the internet, with 13 of these images recovered during the investigation. The titles of the remaining images indicated their content, further highlighting the severity of his actions.

Judge Kate Buckingham described the offences as “very serious” and emphasized that only a lengthy prison sentence was appropriate given the nature of the crimes. Love, who had already been in custody for 199 days, was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was issued a lifelong sexual offences prevention order. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of his crimes and the need to protect the community from future harm.

District Crown Prosecutor Andrew Horner commented on the case, highlighting the collaborative effort between the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. He noted, “This was a detailed and sensitive case which involved a specialist rape lawyer working with the police from the outset. This strong partnership allowed the Crown Prosecution Service to detail the full extent of Love’s offending to the court.” Horner also acknowledged the courage of the victims, stating, “Love committed a catalogue of heinous crimes against his victims. The ordeal of their experience was then further compounded when he pleaded not guilty, forcing them to give evidence in court. We worked closely with the victims to ensure their voices were heard and they were supported throughout the process. The sentence passed by the judge reflects the severity of the crimes committed by Love, and we hope the victims are able to take some comfort from the fact that justice has been served.”