MICHAEL PARNHAM FROM WEST BRIDGFORD JAILED FOR HISTORIC SEX OFFENCES IN NOTTINGHAM

In July 2016, a disturbing case unfolded involving Michael Parnham, a pensioner from West Bridgford, Nottingham, who was convicted of a series of historic sexual abuse crimes spanning several decades. The incident began when Parnham, aged 76, voluntarily entered a police station and casually told the desk sergeant, "I’ve been a naughty boy," a statement that belied the gravity of his actions.

During the subsequent court proceedings at Nottingham Crown Court, it was revealed that Parnham had committed heinous acts of sexual assault and rape against three young girls during the 1960s and 1970s. The court was informed that Parnham, a married man, approached police requesting to speak with the Criminal Investigation Department, and during this interaction, he admitted to touching and raping children in his past. The judge emphasized that the passage of time did not diminish the severity of his crimes, and he condemned Parnham for living a double life—posing as a respectable member of society while secretly engaging in these acts for over half his life.

Prosecutor Dawn Pritchard detailed the extent of Parnham’s admissions, stating, "He said he did not have intercourse but touched them sexually. He said it was three children, but could not remember their ages, and he said he had come to the police station to 'sort it out.'" However, as investigators spoke with the victims, it became clear that the reality was far more disturbing than Parnham’s initial account. One of the victims, a woman now aged 22, recounted that Parnham had raped her and attempted to do so on multiple occasions. Her statement, read aloud in court, described how his abuse left her feeling dirty and disgusting, leading her to become withdrawn, lose confidence, and develop depression. She revealed that the abuse began when she was just four years old, and included graphic details such as being shown adult pornography and kissed by Parnham.

Further testimonies emerged from other victims. A 52-year-old woman, who was also interviewed by police, became visibly upset and shook when asked about her knowledge of Parnham. She recounted that, at the age of 10, Parnham had exposed himself to her, shown her pornographic magazines, made suggestive remarks, and performed a sexual act. Her statement conveyed feelings of dirtiness and insecurity, highlighting the long-lasting impact of his actions. The third victim, now 33, disclosed that Parnham had kissed her on the lips during their encounters, adding to the pattern of predatory behavior.

In sentencing, Judge Stuart Rafferty QC ordered Parnham to be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. He also imposed a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order to protect future victims. Addressing Parnham directly, the judge remarked, "Each of your victims was young when you committed offences against them, and these offences spanned a period of 30 years of your life. For half of your life, you have been pretending to be a man of good character and a pillar of society. You were living a lie, and you have caused all of them to live a lie as well." The court’s verdict underscores the gravity of Parnham’s crimes and the lasting damage inflicted upon his victims, as justice was finally served in this troubling case from Nottingham.