MICHAEL SHARMAN LEICESTER FOSTER PARENT AND SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR ABUSING BOYS
In a case that has shocked the community of Leicester, a 71-year-old man named Michael Sharman has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against four young boys.The offences, which spanned from 1987 to 1994, involved acts of buggery, attempted buggery, and indecent assault, and were carried out while Sharman was serving as a foster parent entrusted with the care of vulnerable children.
Sharman, residing at Rowlatts Hill in Leicester, was found guilty after a detailed trial held in December of the previous year.
The case came to light when, in August 2012, one of the victims, now an adult, disclosed to police that he had been sexually assaulted by Sharman during his childhood.
This revelation prompted a thorough investigation, which subsequently identified three additional victims, all of whom provided detailed accounts of the abuse they endured at the hands of Sharman.
At the time of the offences, the victims were between the ages of nine and 15 years old.
The police investigation uncovered that Sharman had targeted these boys in various disturbing ways, often sneaking into their bedrooms at night or cornering them in bathrooms.
One particularly chilling account involved Sharman telling a frightened child, “Let’s have some fun,” as he committed the acts.
Following the investigation, Sharman was arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual misconduct.
Despite denying any wrongdoing, he was convicted of 15 separate offences, including five counts of indecent assault, one count of gross indecency, an attempted buggery, and three counts of buggery involving one of the boys.
He was also convicted of indecent assault against two other boys, with the offences committed over a period of several years.
During the trial, the prosecution highlighted the severity of the crimes, emphasizing the lasting impact on the victims.
One of the complainants, who was unable to report the abuse until 2012 due to the trauma, described how he struggled with substance abuse and emotional distress, which eventually led to him breaking down and revealing the abuse to his partner.
In sentencing, Leicester Crown Court Judge Simon Hammond described Sharman as a “sexual predator” and condemned his actions as “wicked offences.” The judge underscored the profound and lasting damage caused by such abuse, noting that it affects victims’ trust, relationships, and mental health, often leading to self-harm and other serious issues.
The judge also pointed out that Sharman’s position as a foster parent made his crimes particularly egregious, as he exploited the trust placed in him by authorities.
In addition to the prison sentence, Sharman was issued with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and will be registered as a sex offender for life.
The case has been a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the need for vigilance in protecting those in foster care.
Detective Constable Gareth Gimson, the officer leading the investigation, expressed his appreciation for the bravery of the victims.
He stated, “The victims have showed immense bravery in reliving the details of their abuse and supporting the investigation throughout.
We would like to assure victims of non-recent sexual abuse that police will thoroughly investigate their reports with a view to prosecuting the offender and support the victim throughout the investigation.
We will also ensure that the victim is referred to relevant agencies that can assist the victim both practically and emotionally.”
