Michael Abass 48

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A rapist has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of a series of serious sexual offences against children.  

Michael Abass, aged 48, from Heckmondwike was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court today (16 September) for sexual offences described by detectives as some of the worst they have ever seen.

The 48-year-old was found guilty of 16 offences against two girls and a boy.  They  included seven offences of rape against one of the victims, with other offending including sexual assault and coercive and controlling behaviour.  

He also admitted an offence of sexual assault by touching on a female child under 13.  

The offending took place between 2015 and 2024 when some of it was reported to Kirklees District Police in August of that year by one of the three victims.  

The report initiated an investigation by specialist detectives from the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit.  

Abass was arrested straight after the initial report was made and was charged on 19 August.

He will have to sign on the sex offenders register life on his release from prison and was made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order

In sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court today, his honour Judge Doig commended the bravery of the victims and  stated that Abass acted in a depraved manner towards children, and was a dangerous offender.

DC Yvonne Brear of Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, said:

“The monstrous offences committed by Michael Abass against his three victims are quite simply some of the worst I have seen in a 14-year career in child safeguarding.

“Six of the rapes he was found guilty of represent rape offending which took place on at least ten occasions, illustrating the sheer scale of the awful sexual abuse he committed.  

“Frankly it is hard to comprehend how anyone could act in this way, and treat young children as nothing more than objects for their gratification.

“What is equally apparent in this case is the bravery of the three victims in reporting Abass and then supporting a prosecution, despite being put through the ordeal of a trial .”  

DI Paul Greatorex of Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, added:

“Abass’s depravity and the courage of the victims in this case were also commented on in court by His Honour Judge Doig.    

“I hope those victims can take some comfort from knowing their steadfast support of this prosecution has been instrumental in making Abass answer for his crimes.  

“The depth of his offending against them was also very much reflected by the sentence imposed by the court today.

“We do, of course, continue to urge victims of any form of sexual offending in Kirklees to come forwards and speak with us.  

“You will be listened to by specialist officers who will do all they can to investigate and provide the support you may well need.”