February 2014
Man jailed for abusing children
A man who sexually abused four young girls in Blackpool has today been jailed for six and a half years.
Preston Crown court heard Michael McKell touched the youngsters in a sexual way over their clothing. One of them was also touched under her clothes.
As well as the prison sentence McKell was told he would be the subject of an extended period of licence following his release from prison.
His crimes were said to have had a significant impact on his victims, including fear and dread about the prospect of giving evidence in a trial.
One of them took an overdose after making her complaint.
McKell, 53, of Princes Street,Blackpool had pleaded guilty to three offences of sexual assault, two of sexual activity with a child and another of assault.
He was given six and a half years prison, with three and a half years extended licence.
He will serve two thirds of his jail term and will only be released when the parole board decide it is no longer necessary to keep him in jail for public protection.
His barrister told the court that by pleading guilty he had spared the victims having to relive what had happened.
The defendant himself had been the victim of serious sexual abuse in the past.
Judge Heather Lloyd said McKell had previous sex offences on his record and there was a significant risk of serious harm through further offending. He will be on the sex offenders register for life.
