MICHAEL REED FROM LEEDS AND TANG HALL SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Leeds and Tang Hall, Michael Reed, a man with a disturbing history of sexual misconduct, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for heinous crimes committed against a nine-year-old girl from York. The incident, which took place over a period of time, involved Reed engaging in repeated sexual assaults on the young girl, during which he also made threatening remarks to silence her.

The young girl, whose identity remains protected, bravely testified in court, recounting how Reed told her he wanted to impregnate her. She also revealed that Reed had threatened to kill her mother if she disclosed the abuse. Her silence persisted for several months, during which she endured the trauma in silence. It was only after she broke down in tears and confided in her mother that the full extent of Reed’s actions came to light.

Reed, who was previously residing in Tang Hall and later moved to Darfield Road in Leeds, denied all charges, which included three counts of attempted rape and two counts of sexual assault. Despite his denials, the jury at York Crown Court found him guilty last month, recognizing the credibility of the young girl and her family’s testimony. Reed’s attempt to dismiss the allegations as fabrications, claiming that the girl and her relatives had conspired against him, was rejected by the court.

During the trial, Reed’s defense argued that the girl had fabricated her story at her mother’s behest. They also presented evidence suggesting that the girl had lied in school on unrelated matters. However, the court was convinced by the evidence presented and the victim’s account.

In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Peter Hunt imposed a sexual offences prevention order to safeguard children from Reed once he is released. Reed will also be registered as a sex offender for life and is indefinitely barred from working with children in any capacity. The sentence was handed down at Leeds Crown Court after probation officers submitted a report assessing the potential risk Reed poses to children in the future.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the protection of vulnerable children from predators like Michael Reed, whose actions have caused lasting trauma to his young victim and her family.