MICHAEL TULLY FROM FOLKESTONE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE AND SADISM

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Folkestone, a man named Michael Tully has been convicted of a series of severe sexual offenses involving a teenage girl. The incident, which involved extreme acts of sadism and torture, was so disturbing that a judge publicly expressed his profound distress upon viewing the evidence.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, recounted the emotional toll of witnessing a film depicting the young girl, who was blindfolded and suspended from the ceiling during the abuse. The judge emphasized that the trauma inflicted on the victim was so severe that it would leave a lasting impression on him for the rest of his life.

During the sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court, Michael Tully, aged 58 and formerly residing on Warren Close in Folkestone, was sentenced to an indefinite term of imprisonment with a minimum of six years to be served before eligibility for parole. The judge made it clear that Tully’s current mental state and entrenched attitudes rendered him unfit for immediate release, stating, "Whether you are fit to be released then, who knows? At the moment, because of your entrenched attitudes that certainly cannot be the case."

The judge also condemned Tully’s brutal treatment of his victim, questioning how any human being could subject a vulnerable young girl to such cruelty. The court heard that Tully had committed multiple offenses, including 11 counts of indecent assault, nine counts of rape, six counts of indecency with a child, two counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, and two other serious sexual offenses.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Tully had manipulated the girl by providing her with money and had recorded some of the sexual acts on film. The court described the assaults as premeditated and sustained, characterized by a sadistic nature that spanned several years.

In addition to the life sentence, Tully was prohibited from working with children and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. Senior investigating officer Detective Constable Kay Sankey commented on the case, stating, "Tully is a continual offender and has been sentenced for not only taking indecent images of children but for a number of horrific assaults on his victim."

Sankey further praised the victim’s bravery, noting, "The victim has shown great courage and resilience in assisting police with the investigation, which in turn has led to his successful prosecution and justified sentencing." The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Folkestone, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable individuals from such heinous crimes.