The Jarrow Paedophile, Michael Hancock, attempted to meet a 12-year-old at the Metrocentre and instructed her to impersonate his niece if they encountered anybody familiar.
Michael Hancock, a paedophile with prior experience “working with youths and in hospitals,” believed he was communicating with a genuine child when he transmitted photographs of his genitals and sexualised the chat; however, it was, in fact, an undercover police officer.
At Newcastle Crown Court, it was revealed that the officer created an internet profile impersonating an 18-year-old from Tyne and Wear, with whom Michael Hancock initiated communication in October 2021. He was promptly informed that the girl was, in reality, 12 years old, and he stated that he was 57.
The dialogue swiftly transitioned to Snapchat and became sexual in nature. Michael Hancock transmitted an image of his legs submerged in a bath, followed by a depiction of his groin region. The profile responded with a message inscribed on a child’s arm stating “show me,” and Hancock transmitted photographs of his genitalia.
Ian Cook, prosecuting, said: “Michael Hancock said he would buy gifts for her and she should not let her family know about the conversation and he arranged to meet her at the Metrocentre. He said if they saw anyone they knew they should say they were uncle and niece.
“Michael Hancock said they should be careful because if he was caught he would be called a paedo.” He then went on to ask further intimate questions and discussed his sexual habits.
Mr Cook said: “Michael Hancock said he wanted to kiss her all night and hold her close. He arranged to meet her at the Metrocentre but was intercepted by police and arrested.”
Michael Hancock, 59, of Edinburgh Road, Jarrow, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and was sentenced to eight months suspended for two years with a four-month curfew. He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and will have to sign the sex offenders register for the next ten years.
Judge Julie Clemitson told him: “You believed that girl to be somewhat vulnerable and in the care system, yet rather than take actions any responsible adult would have done, which was immediately desist in talking to that child and even report the profile, you instead chose to continue to chat.
“You did so in a way which has the hallmarks of a predator, frankly. You slowly, over a period of time, gained that child’s trust by talking in a non-sexual way, offering to take her out and buy her gifts, and then slowly but surely, you introduced a sexual element to the conversation.
“You spoke about a meeting at the Metrocentre and agreed on a cover story should anyone ask who you were. You engaged in a chat about various sexual practices and sent images of your penis to that what you believed to be a 12-year-old child.
“It’s clear you have a sexual interest in young girls, however much you protest to the probation officer that you do not. Your behaviour was predatory.
“The seriousness of this kind of offending should not be underestimated. Just because there was not a real child doesn’t mean this kind of offending doesn’t lead to serious consequences. Children suffer day in and day out because of online paedophiles like yourself.”
Sam Faulks, defending, said: “He has been a working man who has contributed to society by his taxes and toil. He has previous good character and he cares for his elderly uncle and if he is locked up he will not have that additional assistance from his nephew.”
UPDATE 10.06.25
Hancock, 61, of Edinburgh Road, Jarrow, South Tyneside, admitted five charges of breach of a sexual harm prevention order.
Judge Julie Clemitson sentenced him to a total of 25 months behind bars.
Sam Faulks, defending, said Hancock has never been to prison before, has found it “tough” being locked up on remand and will be unable to return to his home when released.
Mr Faulks said: “His flat has been targeted, the windows have been smashed and have had to be boarded up.”He wont feel safe in the North East so he will have to move.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.