MICHAEL SLAWSON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN MARKET RASEN AND OSGODBY

In a harrowing case that has shocked the communities of Market Rasen and Osgodby, a man identified as Michael Slawson has been sentenced to 12 years in prison following his conviction for the sexual abuse of a young girl. The incident, which spanned over two and a half years during the mid-1990s, involved systematic and deliberate acts of abuse that left lasting scars on the victim.

Slawson, a 57-year-old self-employed builder residing on Low Road in Osgodby, near Market Rasen, was found guilty by a jury of eight counts of rape, six counts of indecent assault, and one count of indecency with a child. The court heard that the abuse began shortly after Slawson returned from a honeymoon trip to the West Indies with his new wife, marking the start of a prolonged period of exploitation.

Judge Robert Alan Brown described Slawson’s actions as ruthlessly taking advantage of the young girl, who was only nine years old at the time. The judge emphasized that Slawson’s conduct was not only calculated but also premeditated, with the intent to satisfy his own perverted sexual desires. He condemned the defendant for grooming and corrupting the girl, whose life has been profoundly affected by the trauma.

The prosecution, led by Felicity Gerry, detailed the extent of the abuse, revealing that the girl was subjected to repeated assaults between the ages of nine and eleven. She explained that the victim delayed reporting the abuse for several years because she was overwhelmed by the emotional toll and believed she could not cope with the consequences. The girl’s suffering has persisted into adulthood, with her battling depression, self-harm, and anorexia. Miss Gerry highlighted that the victim frequently experiences suicidal thoughts, and despite the passage of ten years since the abuse ended, she continues to struggle with the emotional aftermath.

Gerry further stated that the abuse has caused immense pain not only to the girl but also to her family, underscoring the profound and lasting impact of Slawson’s actions. Throughout the trial, Slawson maintained his innocence, denying any wrongdoing against the girl.

In mitigation, Craig Lowe argued that Slawson had no prior convictions and was considered to be of good character before these allegations. He noted that Slawson had built a building firm over more than twenty-five years, which has now collapsed. Despite his loss of reputation and livelihood, Lowe pointed out that Slawson’s wife remains supportive of him during this difficult time.

As part of his sentence, Slawson will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and is prohibited from working with children in the future. The case has left a lasting impact on the communities of Market Rasen and Osgodby, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable individuals from such heinous crimes.