MICHAEL MONAGHAN FROM BLACKLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE AND INDECENT IMAGES IN MANCHESTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Blackley, Manchester, Michael Monaghan, aged 52, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple serious offences involving child abuse and possession of indecent images. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of heinous behavior that spanned over a period, involving the exploitation of young girls and the circulation of illegal material.

Monaghan, who resides on Edward Road in Blackley, was first brought to police attention after one of his victims, a young girl, confided in her mother about the abuse she had endured. This disclosure prompted a police investigation that uncovered further disturbing evidence. During the investigation, authorities discovered a memory stick at Monaghan’s home containing an indecent image of a man and a young girl dressed in a distinctive outfit. The police were able to identify the girl based on her clothing, which led to Monaghan’s admission of taking the photograph and abusing that particular victim.

Further inquiries revealed that Monaghan had targeted three young girls in total. His crimes included not only physical abuse but also the creation and distribution of indecent images. The police found that he had been actively searching the internet for more illegal material involving children. The investigation uncovered that Monaghan possessed nearly 1,000 indecent images of children, a fact that significantly contributed to the severity of his sentencing.

During the court hearing at Manchester Crown Court, prosecutor Joanna Rodikis explained that the investigation was initiated after one of the victims inadvertently revealed that Monaghan had touched her inappropriately. This revelation prompted a thorough investigation, which subsequently uncovered offences against two additional girls, including the one he had photographed. Initially, Monaghan denied the allegations, but as the evidence mounted, he eventually confessed to the crimes.

Defense lawyer Jaime Hamilton acknowledged the gravity of Monaghan’s actions, describing the offences as ‘repeated and prolonged’ against very young victims. He admitted that Monaghan’s propensity for such behavior was unlikely to cease simply because he had been caught and convicted. Hamilton argued that with appropriate programs and monitoring, the risk posed by Monaghan could be managed effectively during his time in prison and after his release.

However, Judge Robert Atherton took a firm stance, emphasizing the serious risk Monaghan posed to the public. Instead of a standard sentence, the judge imposed an extended license period, which means that after serving his prison term, Monaghan will remain under supervision for an additional three and a half years. This extended license is designed to prevent further offending and to protect potential victims.

Additionally, Monaghan was subject to a sexual offences prevention order that restricts his internet access and contact with children under the age of 16. The families of the victims, who attended the court hearing, watched as Monaghan was sentenced. The judge addressed them directly, expressing sympathy for their ordeal and acknowledging the pain they had endured. He stated, “It’s a very unpleasant matter you have all had to go through. I don’t for one moment think you will regard this as the end of the matter because you have got the children to look after, they depend on you.”