MICHAEL PAGETT SHAMES ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH IN SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

In August 2019, a disturbing case of sexual assault involving a man with special needs has come to light, leading to the conviction of Michael Pagett, a 54-year-old self-employed businessman from Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The court heard how Pagett had groomed and sexually abused a young man with a significantly low IQ and childlike perception over several years, during which the victim was in his twenties.

Leicester Crown Court was informed that the victim lacked the mental capacity to refuse or understand the nature of Pagett’s advances. The defendant pleaded guilty to eight counts of engaging in sexual activity with a person suffering from a mental disorder that impaired his ability to make choices freely. Additionally, Pagett admitted to two counts of causing or inciting a person with a mental disorder to participate in sexual acts.

Prosecutor Grace Hale described the victim as extremely vulnerable, highlighting his difficulties and the fact that he was unaware of the fact that Pagett was filming their sexual encounters. The victim’s mother eventually became aware of the situation after her son confided in her, prompting her to raise the alarm. Following her report, authorities arrested Pagett, seized indecent footage of the acts, and ordered its destruction.

The victim’s mother provided emotional testimony, describing how her once loving, loyal, and happy son had been profoundly affected by the abuse. She explained that her son now appeared “completely different,” constantly on edge, wary, and tearful. She expressed her heartbreak, saying, “His whole concept of trust is shattered. There’s no more jokes and he just wants to spend time on his own; all of our lives have changed but most of all my son’s.” She detailed how her son had experienced fits and panic attacks caused by stress and worry, and how he was now confused, anxious, and upset, often asking if he was going to prison. She reassured him that he had done nothing wrong, but the pain of seeing her son upset was overwhelming.

Judge Robert Brown addressed the court, emphasizing that Pagett had previously been of good character but had developed a disturbing pattern of grooming and sexual abuse. The judge described the victim as being in a mental state comparable to that of a child under 13, due to the grooming behavior and repeated filming of the sexual acts. The court sentenced Pagett to 10 years in prison, reflecting the severity of his actions.

Furthermore, Pagett was placed under a sexual harm prevention order and will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.