MICHAEL WOOTTON PUDSEY PERVERT SENTENCED IN LEEDS COURT FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the local community of Pudsey, Michael Wootton, aged 32, was sentenced to 21 months in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual assaults involving young girls. The incidents came to light after Wootton, who had gained employment at riding stables in West and South Yorkshire, used his position to exploit vulnerable children for his own sexual gratification.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Wootton's misconduct involved inappropriate physical contact with at least two young girls, aged nine and seven, over a period of several months. The court was told that Wootton would initially justify his actions by claiming to discipline the children, often smacking their bottoms over their clothes. However, his behavior escalated to more invasive acts, including persuading one girl to lower her trousers for a spanking and even using a riding crop on her, which he photographed. The second victim was subjected to similar abuse, including being smacked on the bottom in a bedroom and being photographed with a riding crop.

Prosecutor Andrew Kershaw detailed that Wootton's first victim was just nine years old when the abuse began. He would hit her on the backside under the guise of discipline, but the situation worsened as he convinced her to remove her clothing for further acts of abuse. The misconduct persisted over several months, causing significant distress to the young girl. The second victim, only seven at the time, was also subjected to physical abuse during riding lessons and later in private settings, with Wootton using a riding crop and taking photographs of her.

During the hearing, Kirsty Watson, representing Wootton, argued that no physical injuries were inflicted and that the offenses were at the lower end of seriousness. Despite this, Judge Rodney Grant emphasized the psychological harm inflicted on the young victims. In his sentencing remarks, the judge stated, “What you did to these young children involved the inflicting of pain in order to gain sexual gratification for yourself. One does not know the psychological harm which your behaviour towards these children will have caused them in future life.”

As part of his sentence, Wootton was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for ten years and was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. Additionally, he was prohibited from working with riding stables or kennels for a decade, aiming to prevent any future opportunities for him to exploit children. The case has raised concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in environments where children are present, especially in settings like riding stables where predators might seek access to vulnerable youngsters.