Evil predator who sexually abused child is jailed for 30 years

Michael Lashley, aged 38, abused the girl at his home address. The sexualised abuse began when she was just three years-old, and continued over a number of years, with the severity of the abuse escalating as time went on.

Lashley repeatedly raped the child, and threatened to harm her if she ever told anyone what he was doing. During this time, Lashley also drank alcohol and physically assaulted the young girl.

When the girl was a teenager, she messaged Lashley about the abuse she had endured from a young age and threatened to tell the police. In response, Lashley begged her not to tell anyone before referring to himself as a ‘weak person’, and that he was scared of going to prison and would ‘not be able to cope’.

In April 2021, the girl told a teacher at school who in turn contacted the police. A lengthy investigation ensued, which resulted in Lashley being charged in August 2024 with four counts of raping a child, one count of sexually assaulting a child and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Lashley, now of no fixed abode, denied the offences, but was found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court on 15 October 2025, following a trial.

Appearing at the same court on Friday 16 January this year, he was jailed for 30 years, and handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order.

DC Kerry Needham said: “This was a horrific case of repeated rape and sexual abuse on a child who was just three years-old when the abuse began.

“It is utterly inconceivable that a human being could treat a child like this. The bravery shown by this girl in coming forward and not allowing Lashley to get away with his unspeakable crimes is astonishing.

“She should be commended for her courage, and it is because of her that this dangerous offender will now spend a lengthy period of time in prison.”

We want to encourage anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse to contact police on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to talk to police about what they have experienced. Please be reassured that there are other services available that can offer you specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.

You can visit the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website for more information on where to seek independent support in your area: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/

Alternatively, contact Child Line on 0800 11 11, or if you are an adult who has been affected, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.