MICHAEL PERKINS FROM ROTHERHAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS IN ROTHERHAM

In a case that has shocked the community of Rotherham, Michael Perkins, a 28-year-old chef from Morley Street, Rawmarsh, was sentenced to a total of seven years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting two young girls aged seven and eight. The conviction was handed down by a jury at Sheffield Crown Court following a trial held in January, where Perkins was found guilty of three separate offences involving the two victims.

During the sentencing hearing on Tuesday, Judge Rosalind Coe addressed Perkins directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. She stated, “These were young girls who suffered significant harm,” underscoring the serious breach of trust and the profound impact on the victims. The court heard that Perkins had sexually touched the seven-year-old girl on one occasion and engaged in intimate touching with the eight-year-old girl on two separate occasions.

Perkins’s defense, represented by Ms. Megan Rhys, argued that he had vehemently denied the allegations. She claimed that the incident involving the seven-year-old was limited to a single occurrence. Ms. Rhys also highlighted Perkins’s background as a dedicated and qualified chef, noting that he had a genetic heart condition and had already experienced two heart attacks at a young age. She mentioned that he was scheduled to see a cardiologist, suggesting health issues might be relevant to his case.

Despite these health concerns, Judge Coe made it clear that the severity of the offences warranted a substantial custodial sentence. She remarked, “Although he has health problems and mental health difficulties, a lengthy prison term is necessary to reflect the seriousness of these crimes.”

Perkins was sentenced to three years in prison for the offence involving the seven-year-old girl, with an additional four years to be served consecutively for the offences against the eight-year-old girl. Furthermore, he was subjected to an indefinite Sex Offenders’ Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having any contact with children under the age of 16.

Details regarding Perkins’s employment in the catering industry remain undisclosed, apart from the fact that he is a qualified chef. The court’s focus was primarily on the criminal acts and the need to protect vulnerable children from potential harm in the future.