Foot fetish pervert from South Shields spared jail after admitting to child sex offences

Newcastle Crown Court heard the boy kept his ordeal secret for decades and "buried" what had happened to him.

But when he saw press reports about Michael Minchell's later offending, he bravely spoke out and reported Minchell.

Minchell, now 56 and from South Shields, was convicted of indecent assault on a male in 1998 and in 2007 was locked up for five years for child abduction and indecent assaults on male victims.

As a result of the offences, which involved Minchell claiming to be a doctor and massaging feet, he must abide by a sexual harm prevention order and sign the sex offenders register for life.

During the 2007 court case it was heard Minchell had an "obsession" with feet.

Today Minchell, now of St Cuthberts Court, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to two charges of indecency with a child and one of indecent assault in relation to the first victim.

Minchell confessed he had targeted the victim because his young age "made him less likely to tell others" about what happened.

Prosecutor Paul Cleasby told the court it was an old newspaper report that was seen by the victim, many years after he was abused, that prompted him to speak out.

Mr Cleasby added: "The victim describes feeling guilt for not disclosing what had happened to him any sooner."

The victim said in a recent statement: "I wish I had reported it earlier to prevent it happening to others."

Judge Edward Bindloss sentenced Minchell to nine months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with programme and rehabilitation requirements.

Judge Bindloss told him that this is one of those cases that makes the sentencing exercise ‘extremely difficult’ because of the time that has passed since the offending.

He added: “You were of good character at the time but you have not been of good character since."

Sue Hirst, defending, said Minchell has kept out of trouble for the last 14 years and added that the offences date back ‘to a time when he was a very troubled teenager himself’.

Miss Hirst said Minchell was bullied at school and the victim of physical assaults.

The court heard Minchell, who now works as a cleaner, has led a "sad and isolated" life in many respects.

Miss Hirst added: "He can lead a law abiding life."

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