Michael Piller

On 10 October 2024, Michael Piller, a 71-year-old resident of Downham Market in Norfolk, committed a sexual assault against a 15-year-old girl at his home on Launditch Crescent. The incident occurred while the victim was visiting his address alone, during which Piller took advantage of her vulnerability by placing his hands up her top and attempting to touch her vagina.

The girl immediately resisted, telling Piller to stop, and contacted her mother, who promptly arrived at the scene to remove her daughter from the premises. This swift intervention prevented further harm, but the assault left a lasting impact on the young victim.

Following the report to authorities, Piller was interviewed by police. During the interview, he claimed he 'didn’t remember' the events and expressed that he did not want to remember because he was 'embarrassed'. Despite his denial of recollection, the evidence was sufficient to proceed with charges.

On Thursday, 19 December 2024, Piller appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court, where he entered a guilty plea to the charge of sexual assault. The court determined that the gravity of the offence warranted a more serious venue than a summary trial, committing the case to Norwich Crown Court for sentencing on 26 January 2025. In the interim, Piller has been added to the sex offenders register, marking a formal acknowledgment of his status as a convicted sex offender.

This case, reported by the Lynn News, highlights the ongoing efforts by Norfolk Constabulary to address child sexual exploitation in local communities. The prosecuting authority involved is Norfolk Constabulary, responsible for policing the area where the crime took place.