Man who groomed three girls and raped one jailed

A "dangerous" sex offender has been jailed for 18 years for grooming three young girls and raping one of them.

Michael Lee-Ingle, 33, from Sherwood in Nottingham, admitted rape, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of inciting a child into sexual activity and two counts of possessing extreme images.

Nottinghamshire Police said his three young victims were groomed and subjected to a "catalogue of abuse during more than a decade of offending".

Lee-Ingle was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday. He was also added to the sex offenders register for life and made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

The force said he groomed one girl, of primary school age, between 2011 and 2017, and raped her on at least five occasions.

Lee-Ingle also sexually assaulted the second girl when she was under 10 and incited the third victim into sexual activity, officers added.

Police said his offending came to light in September 2022 when he was "confronted and fled from his home".

He was arrested and officers found "two extreme videos" on his phone.

Det Con Emily Bucklow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "The heartbreaking statements from our three victims reveal the ongoing impact Lee-Ingle's offending has had on each of their young lives.

"They have been subjected to appalling abuse at the hands of Lee-Ingle, who the judge has agreed is a dangerous offender deserving an extended period behind bars.

"I hope the sentence handed down at least allows the victims and their loved ones to begin the process of moving on with their lives.

"I'd like to commend them for their bravery in speaking to officers and throughout the court process.

"Considering their age and the ordeals they have been through, their courage and resilience has been remarkable."

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