MICHAEL ROBERTSHAW JAILED FOR LIFE IN BRADFORD AND SCARBOROUGH SEX OFFENDER CASE

In a chilling incident that took place in the coastal town of Scarborough and the city of Bradford, Michael Robertshaw, a known sex offender with a troubling criminal history, was convicted of attempting to abduct three 14-year-old schoolgirls. The events unfolded early last September and again in January, when Robertshaw approached the young girls in public spaces, employing manipulative tactics to lure them into his vehicle.

According to court proceedings, Robertshaw, aged 41 and previously residing in Bradford before moving to Scarborough, targeted the girls when they were alone, taking advantage of the quiet hours of early morning and late evening. The first girl was approached twice on separate streets, while the other two were approached under the guise of being an official responsible for ensuring children’s safety or proper behavior. Despite his efforts to deceive and intimidate, all three girls refused to comply and managed to escape his grasp, later informing their parents about the encounters.

Police and prosecutors praised the bravery and quick thinking of the young victims, whose actions prevented what could have been a tragic outcome. The case was brought before York Crown Court, where Andrew Espley, the prosecutor, detailed Robertshaw’s dangerous history and the threat he posed. It was revealed that Robertshaw was in possession of an air rifle with a knife attached and an air pistol at his residence, despite being legally banned from owning firearms. He was under supervision by a public protection police officer at the time of the incidents.

During the trial, Robertshaw denied three charges of attempted kidnapping and three additional charges of attempted kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual offence. However, the jury found him guilty of all charges earlier this month. The court also learned that Robertshaw had a long-standing criminal record, including a 1997 conviction for raping a woman in Durham, as well as indecent assaults in Dewsbury in 2003 and Bradford in 1994. He admitted to possessing air weapons while prohibited from doing so, acknowledging his previous convictions, but two similar charges were left on file after he denied them.

Judge Andrew Stubbs QC sentenced Robertshaw to life imprisonment, emphasizing the danger he posed to society. The judge stated, “I find you are a very dangerous man. You are a sexual predator, targeting and manipulating lone females. I must pass a sentence of life imprisonment.” However, Robertshaw was ordered to serve a minimum of six years and 176 days before being eligible for parole.

Throughout the trial, the young girls recounted their experiences, describing how Robertshaw approached them in the streets of Scarborough, attempting to deceive and intimidate them into following him. Their courage and honesty played a crucial role in securing his conviction, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by individuals with a history of sexual offending.