MICHAEL STREET SENTENCED IN HUNTINGDON FOR CHILD RAPE AND SEXUAL OFFENSES

In a case that has shocked the community of Huntingdon, Michael Street, aged 60, was sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison at Northampton Crown Court for a series of heinous crimes involving his own daughter. The court found Street guilty last month of multiple charges, including rape, indecency with a child, and indecent assault, and he will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

Throughout the sentencing hearing, Street maintained a stoic demeanor, showing little emotion apart from mouthing the words "Stay strong" to his wife who was present in the public gallery. The victim, Marie, his daughter, chose to waive her right to anonymity during the proceedings, bravely recounting the traumatic events that took place when she was approximately seven or eight years old. She described how her father had raped her in a field, an incident that occurred over three decades ago.

The court heard that Street's abuse was not limited to the single incident of rape. Marie testified that her father had made sexual innuendos, exposed himself to her on multiple occasions, and even asked her to touch him. There were also attempts by Street to bribe her into having sex with him, and on one occasion, he tried to coerce her into performing a sexual act. These disturbing events reportedly took place between 1975 and 1982.

It was also revealed that Street had prior convictions for indecent assault and indecent exposure, indicating a pattern of inappropriate and criminal behavior. The judge, Honorable Judge Corrie, addressed the court and emphasized the gravity of Street’s betrayal of trust. He stated, "It goes without saying that you abused her trust, you behaved in a way which no father should."

Judge Corrie acknowledged Street’s difficult upbringing, mentioning that he was raised in a household with a disciplinarian father and was distressed by the painful circumstances surrounding the death of a brother. The defendant married and started a family early, having his first child at just 19 years old. Despite these personal hardships, the court found that Street’s actions towards his daughter were unforgivable.

The judge recounted the physical and emotional toll inflicted upon Marie, noting that she bled for several days after the assault and continues to suffer long-term psychological effects. He stated, "It’s plain that you are, and will continue to be, a risk to young children and you should be kept apart from them." This included his own grandchildren, of whom he has many. While acknowledging Street’s age and health, which the court considered as factors in the sentencing, Judge Corrie emphasized that the crimes took place many years ago but still warranted a significant punishment.

It was also noted that Street had successfully addressed issues related to alcohol, which had been linked to his previous offenses. The court’s decision reflects a careful consideration of both the severity of his crimes and the need to protect the community.

Marie’s mother, a mother of six children, was not present at the sentencing. However, her son Luke, aged 20, spoke to the media outside the court, expressing pride in his mother’s bravery. He said, "I’m just really proud of her. It was hard for all of us but we got there." The case has left a lasting impact on the family and the community of Huntingdon, highlighting the importance of justice and safeguarding vulnerable children from such predatory behavior.