Two men jailed after sexual abuse investigation – “We will continue to vigorously pursue perpetrators”

A man who repeatedly sexually abused a girl and arranged for other people to also abuse her, has been sentenced to life imprisonment. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

North Wales Police have detailed how Michael Stewart, 41, of no fixed abode admitted the charges of sexual abuse and will serve a minimum term of 16 years. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

He was also handed a life ban from working with children, placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life , and a Restraining Order was imposed for life. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Co-defendant Matthew Penny, 44, of no fixed abode, was found guilty after trial at Mold Crown Court and was sentenced to 20 years. He will be eligible for release after 13 years, serving a further six years on licence. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

He was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life, placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, and received a Restraining Order imposed for life. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Speaking after sentencing, DC Emma Faulkner from the North Wales Police Protection of Vulnerable People Unit (PVPU) said: ‘I welcome the conviction of Michael Stewart and Matthew Penny for these offences. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

‘This has been a harrowing and complex case for all involved; we have worked tirelessly for today’s sentencing. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

‘We must recognise that at the centre of this case is a young woman whose courage and integrity have brought two depraved and dangerous men to justice and we are extremely grateful for her support. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

‘We will continue to vigorously pursue perpetrators like Stewart and Penny and encourage anyone who is subject to such abuse to contact us. You will be believed, and your information will be treated in the utmost confidence.’ ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​