MICHAEL PARK'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN ALFRETON, DERBY AND SPONDON: A PREDATOR'S REIGN OF TERROR

In December 2012, a disturbing case emerged involving Michael Park, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, who committed a serious breach of his sexual offences prevention order by secretly joining a gym in Derby, despite strict conditions prohibiting his presence in areas frequented by minors.

Park, who was previously convicted in 2009 for possessing indecent images of children, failed to disclose his membership at LA Fitness, a popular gym located in Derby, when he signed up last November. His order explicitly forbade him from entering designated zones where children under the age of 16 might be present, yet he managed to visit the facility on no fewer than 40 separate occasions, at various times throughout the day.

The gym staff became suspicious after noticing his frequent visits and, upon discovering his registered sex offender status, promptly canceled his membership and contacted law enforcement authorities. Derby Crown Court heard that Sarah Allen, the prosecutor, detailed how Park’s visits were spread across different times, raising concerns about his intentions. When questioned by police, Park claimed ignorance of the fact that minors under 18 could access the gym, a statement that did little to mitigate the severity of his breach.

Justin Ablott, representing Park, argued that his client primarily used the gym facilities early in the mornings, a time when children were not permitted to be there. He emphasized that Park, who is described as a young man with multiple issues, acknowledged that he had violated the terms of his order but insisted there was no evidence of any direct contact with children. Ablott also highlighted Park’s fear of imprisonment, stating that he was “very, very afraid” of going back to prison and that his previous incarceration was an unpleasant experience.

Judge Hilary Watson addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of Park’s actions. She pointed out that although there was no evidence of close proximity or contact with minors, the fact that he entered a facility where children were present on 40 occasions was a serious breach of trust and the conditions of his order. The judge ordered Park, formerly of Spondon but now residing on Belvoir Way in Alfreton, to undergo a 30-month supervision order, pay a fine of £75, and cover costs amounting to £150.

Park’s criminal history is extensive. In October 2009, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison after being convicted of possessing and making indecent images of children, some as young as six. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for at least ten years. His previous crimes involved the possession of over 2,500 indecent images, including videos and photographs, which he stored on his laptop, phone, and CDs. Police investigations revealed that Park had used online forums to share and solicit images of young boys, some of whom were teenagers, and had offered to exchange such material.

During the police search of his residence, officers discovered a disturbing collection of images, including two videos recorded by Park himself. One video depicted a teenage boy rubbing his foot against Park, while another showed a young boy using the toilet. The images ranged from less severe to the most graphic, with categories indicating their explicit nature. Park admitted to 13 charges of making indecent images, five of possessing them, and two of taking them. Despite his confessions, he denied any grooming or sexual activity with children, claiming that his interest was purely voyeuristic and based on fantasy.

In mitigation, Clive Stockwell argued that Park, who was then living on Edmund Road in Spondon, had already suffered significant punishment, both legally and personally. He emphasized the trauma inflicted on Park’s family and suggested that the worst consequences of his actions had already been endured.

Law enforcement officials, including Pc Mick Draycott from Derbyshire police’s child exploitation unit, underscored the importance of the sentence. He stated that the sentence was intended to serve as a “short, sharp shock” and highlighted the significance of placing Park on the sex offenders’ register, which allows authorities to monitor his activities and prevent further harm. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online and offline child exploitation, especially in regions like Alfreton, Derby, and Spondon, where such predators have attempted to evade detection.