MICHAEL PEET'S SHOCKING CRIME IN LEICESTER: SEXUAL PREDATOR AVOIDS PRISON DESPITE ABUSING YOUNG GIRL
In June 2013, a disturbing case unfolded in Leicester involving Michael James Peet, an 18-year-old from Aylestone, who was found guilty of sexually abusing a young girl.The incident, which spanned over a year, involved Peet repeatedly assaulting a female family member under the age of 13, specifically his own cousin.
Peet appeared before Leicester Crown Court to face charges of two counts of sexual assault against the young girl.
The court proceedings revealed that the grooming process began when Peet, at the age of 18, targeted his 12-year-old cousin.
He initially gained her trust by offering her small gifts such as crisps, sweets, and drinks.
As the relationship progressed, Peet escalated his manipulative tactics by offering cigarettes and drugs, including Mephedrone, commonly known as M-Kat, a potent stimulant often compared to cocaine and ecstasy.
Under Peet’s influence and pressure, the girl agreed to try the drug.
It was during this vulnerable state that Peet took advantage of her trust and intoxication, beginning a series of sexual assaults.
The court heard that Peet digitally penetrated the girl and, at one point, attempted to rape her by penetrating her with his penis.
The abuse continued over a period of approximately 12 months, until the girl finally found the courage to disclose the abuse.
Throughout the proceedings, Peet showed no remorse for his actions.
The judge sentenced him to a 12-month community order, which included 120 hours of unpaid work.
Additionally, Peet was placed under a two-year Supervision Order by the probation service and was required to register as a sex offender for five years.
In July 2020, the victim, now an adult, publicly spoke out about the lasting impact of the abuse.
She described how her teenage years were marred by depression and anxiety, which severely affected her education.
She revealed that she did not attend school for nearly three years because she was unable to cope with social interactions, a consequence of the trauma she endured.
She stated, “It still affects me now as I still get depressed and anxious about this and there’s times I have felt suicidal as I wasn’t believed and still aren’t to this day.” She also shared that the abuse continues to affect her daily life, mentioning that she faces judgment and hostility from her own family and community when she walks to her local shop or doctor.
The victim expressed her deep disillusionment, saying, “He was my cousin so I looked up to him.
He groomed me to gain my trust and when he had that trust, he used me for his sexual gratification.
At that age, I never thought anyone would be capable of something so depraved and cruel.” Despite the court’s decision, Peet remains unrepentant.
He continues to mock and bully the victim, even claiming that he will “have the last laugh,” demonstrating a complete lack of remorse for his heinous actions.
The case highlights the devastating effects of grooming and sexual abuse within families, and the ongoing struggle faced by victims in seeking justice and healing.
