Michael Bourn

Michael Bourn, a 27-year-old resident of Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, has been sentenced to nine years and one month in prison for a series of despicable crimes, including attempts to engage in sexual activity with a child and brazen thefts from hospital staff during the pandemic.

Bourn targeted North Cambridgeshire Hospital on multiple occasions, stealing valuable items from health workers and contractors who were working tirelessly to care for patients. On 28 May 2021, he stole power tools worth £900 from a van belonging to a tradesman working on the hospital roof, identified through CCTV footage. Just a week later, on 4 June 2021, he entered a staff-only area and took a purse, phone, and car keys from a health worker, leading to the theft of her vehicle, again captured on CCTV showing his face clearly.

In the following days, Bourn returned to the hospital, pilfering a dongle and cash from staff areas. On another occasion, night shift staff spotted him attempting to remove an office window to break in; disturbed, he fled the scene. These thefts were part of a broader pattern, including a robbery charge related to snatching a handbag on 22 June 2021, as well as theft of a motor vehicle, three counts of burglary, and attempted burglary.

In addition to his thieving spree, Bourn engaged in disturbing sexual communications with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. He admitted to two counts of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child and two counts of attempting to incite a girl aged 14 to engage in sexual activity, sending explicit pictures via social media.

Bourn appeared at Peterborough Crown Court on 9 March 2024, where he pleaded guilty to all charges. He was sentenced to nine years and one month imprisonment. The case was investigated by PC Peter Waite of Cambridgeshire Constabulary, who commented: 'Bourn brazenly and shamelessly targeted hospital workers and staff who were working tirelessly to care for sick people during the pandemic. He continued to go back again and again, stealing thousands of pounds worth of items. Together with the robbery and engaging in sexual communication with a child, Bourn’s actions were absolutely despicable. I am glad justice has been done. Bourn will spend a significant period behind bars to reflect on the hurt he has caused.' Cambridgeshire Constabulary confirmed the details of the offences and sentencing.