A man from Hampshire has been sentenced to 33 years in prison for a series of serious sexual offences.
Michael Lovelace, 49, of Tallis Gardens, Basingstoke was found guilty of committing the offences in Bordon and Southsea between 2012 and 2023.
He was found guilty of 17 offences against two victims following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.
His convictions include five counts of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity – no penetration, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, two counts of sexual assault a girl under 13 by touching, two counts of an offender aged 18 or over causing a child under 13 to watch or look at an image of sexual activity, rape of a child under 13, and six counts of rape.
The abuse was first reported to police in March 2023, leading to an investigation by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Amberstone Investigations Team.
Lovelace was sentenced to 33 years in prison on Monday, March 2, with an extended licence period of eight years.
He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the sex offenders register for life.
Karen Slade, police staff investigator with the Major Crime Team North and formerly of the Amberstone Team, said: "I am very pleased with this result and to see Lovelace jailed for a considerable length of time for his abhorrent actions.
"Whilst no sentence will ever atone for the suffering that Lovelace has caused, I am glad that we have been able to bring some form of justice to the victims.
"I hope that this can help them begin to rebuild their lives, knowing that he is now behind bars as he deserves to be."
Ms Slade said: "I would like to thank the victims for their courage, resilience and support throughout this investigation, which has enabled us to get this result.
"We want to encourage anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse to please report this to us.
"We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and promise you that we will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice."
Police have urged anyone affected by child sexual abuse to contact them.
Victims can call 101 to speak to an officer in confidence or report a crime online through the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary website.
Additional information and resources for those seeking independent support can be found online at: hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/
Police acknowledge that not everyone may feel comfortable speaking directly with officers. They have reassured the public that there are alternative services available for those seeking specialist support.
For individuals not yet ready to contact police, help is available through Child Line on 0800 11 11.
Adults affected by child sexual abuse can reach the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
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