Michael Anthony Robertshaw

A dangerous predatory sex offender, Michael Anthony Robertshaw, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after attempting to lure three schoolgirls into his car in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The 41-year-old, formerly of Bradford and most recently residing in Scarborough, was convicted on multiple charges related to his predatory behaviour targeting young females.

The incidents occurred very early in the morning last September or after dark last January. Robertshaw approached each of the three 14-year-old girls when they were alone on the street. In one case, he approached the first girl twice on two different streets. To the others, he masqueraded as an official responsible for ensuring children behaved themselves or got home safely, using lies to gain their trust. None of the girls agreed to enter his vehicle, and each promptly informed their parents upon returning home, which led to police involvement.

At his home, authorities discovered an air rifle with a knife attached and an air pistol, items he was prohibited from possessing due to his prior convictions. Robertshaw had previously served a total of 18 years in prison for serious sexual offences, including raping a woman in Durham in 1997, and indecently assaulting women in Dewsbury in 2003 and Bradford in 1994. He was under supervision by a public protection police officer at the time of these new offences.

Robertshaw denied three charges of attempted kidnap and three charges of attempted kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence but was found guilty on all counts by a jury at York Crown Court earlier in July 2018. He admitted to two charges of possessing air weapons while prohibited. Two similar charges were left on file.

During the trial, Andrew Espley, prosecuting, stated that Robertshaw had been intending to commit sexual offences on the girls. Judge Andrew Stubbs QC described him as 'a very dangerous man' and 'a sexual predator, targeting and manipulating lone females,' before imposing the life sentence with a minimum term of six years and 176 days.

Defence representative Dr John Brown noted that Robertshaw wanted to work with probation officers to change his behaviour. Following the hearing, Detective Constable Steve Monty of North Yorkshire Police praised the victims' bravery, saying: 'Robertshaw tried to present himself as a figure of trust and authority in an attempt to kidnap young girls. In fact, he was anything but trustworthy – he’s a devious, manipulative predator with a sexual interest in children.' He added that the girls' quick thinking had helped bring the offender to justice, making communities safer by removing such individuals from the streets.

This case highlights the ongoing risks posed by repeat sexual offenders and the importance of vigilance among young people. The conviction was reported by the Bradford Telegraph and Argus on 31st July 2018.