MICHAEL STANBOROUGH SENTENCED IN WHITEHAVEN: CUMBRIA SEX OFFENDER'S SENTENCE AMENDED AFTER COURT ERROR

In August 2018, Michael Stanborough, a resident of Whitehaven, was released from custody and returned to his hometown, where he resumed his life amidst ongoing legal scrutiny. His criminal history, however, dates back to the late 1970s, when he committed a series of heinous sex crimes that would later lead to his imprisonment.

Back in September 2016, a significant legal development occurred at Carlisle Crown Court concerning Stanborough’s sentencing. The court had previously sentenced him to four years in prison for multiple sex offenses committed during his youth. The victim, Ade Kevern, who was between the ages of seven and nine at the time of the abuse, displayed remarkable courage by publicly waiving his right to anonymity after the sentencing. His decision was driven by a desire to shed light on the suffering inflicted upon him and to ensure that others are aware of the severity of Stanborough’s crimes.

In a heartfelt statement, Ade Kevern described the long-lasting impact of the abuse. “In the following years I was in a very dark place,” he said. “I was drinking heavily to block out the flashbacks that were occurring on a frequent basis and became an angry person filled with rage and hatred for the perpetrator. I am determined not to let the last 34 years of hell define me.”

Stanborough, who resides on Calder Avenue in Whitehaven, admitted to five separate sex offenses. His sentencing was handed down by Judge Tony Lancaster, who also ordered him to register as a sex offender indefinitely. This order was part of the court’s effort to monitor and restrict his movements to protect the public from further harm.

However, during proceedings at Carlisle Crown Court yesterday, it was revealed that there had been an error regarding the duration of the notification requirement. Initially, the court had imposed an indefinite registration period, but this was found to be incorrect based on sentencing guidelines. Judge Lancaster explained that, according to the relevant legal standards, because Stanborough was under 20 at the time of the offenses, he should have been required to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for a fixed period of 10 years.

After considering the matter, the court was informed that the appropriate authorities at Cumbria Constabulary had identified the mistake. The court then ordered that the court record be amended to reflect the correct registration period of 10 years, starting from July 11, the date of Stanborough’s conviction. This correction ensures that the legal obligations placed upon him are consistent with the law and sentencing guidelines, marking a significant adjustment in his post-conviction monitoring.