Michael Billups

Michael Billups, a 52-year-old man from Leeds, subjected an East Riding schoolgirl to horrific sexual abuse in 2011, beginning with unzipping her onesie to touch her inappropriately and escalating to multiple brutal rapes over two to three months.

The abuse came to light years later when the victim confided in her boyfriend during an online quiz that mentioned rape, causing her to break down in tears. An educational welfare officer reported the matter to authorities, leading to Billups's arrest in September 2018. Upon arrest, he immediately admitted to the offences, stating, 'I don’t need to – it was statutory rape.' In a subsequent statement to police, Billups expressed remorse, saying: 'I accept the offence of rape and sexual allegations against me. I am truly remorseful and sorry for what occurred. I have been living with this for six years and want to get this matter resolved. I believe I need help for what happened and I can’t say why I did it. I’m truly sorry and wish I hadn’t done what I did every day.'

Prosecutor Claire Holmes detailed how Billups had instructed the girl not to seek medical help, likely out of fear she would disclose the abuse. The victim suffered severe anxiety and suicidal thoughts as a result, with her mother describing the impact: 'It made me feel upset and angry and it made me overprotective and cautious. I used to dread pushing open her bedroom door and I feel remorseful towards the whole situation. This is something my daughter will always have to deal with and it’s through no fault of her own.'

Billups had a prior history of sexual misconduct, including upskirting incidents for which he received an antisocial behaviour order banning him from possessing a camera phone, and soliciting a prostitute in Leeds' Red Light District in 2009 to take explicit photos. Defending barrister Gordon Stables noted Billups's shame and remorse, stating: 'He has not beaten around the bush. He has admitted it and he admits that for that two or three months he committed the most awful criminal offences. He is utterly ashamed and he is full of remorse.'

At Hull Crown Court, Judge Mark Bury described the crimes as 'gross' and sentenced Billups on 17 July 2019 to ten years in prison, along with a five-year restraining order, lifelong registration on the sex offenders' register, and an additional year on extended licence. Humberside Police Detective Constable Becky McInnis welcomed the sentencing, emphasising the force's commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals.