On May 29, 2025, Michael Haynes, the Barnfield Paedophile, born June 16, 1948, from Urmston, was sentenced to 18 years in jail after being convicted of 9 charges of rape and 11 counts of sexual assault against two girls following a 4-week trial at Manchester Crown Court. In September 2020, a woman courageously reported to the police the extensive abuse she endured from a sports coach, which occurred from the late 1980s to the early 1990s.
During the trial that completed last week, the court was informed that in the late 1980s, one of the victims, who was 11 years old at the time, enrolled in Trafford School of Gymnastics. Michael Haynes initially sexually attacked the woman at the club by inappropriately caressing her through her clothing while ostensibly assisting her with stretching exercises.
This escalated over time from sexual touching to rape, with the offences occurring in his vehicle while Michael Haynes was aiding the victim’s family in transporting her to and from the gymnastics club.
In December 2023, another woman discovered that Haynes was to be tried for sexual offences and courageously approached the police to report her experience.
At approximately 12 years of age, she had previously attended the gymnastics school for several years with Michael Haynes. He inappropriately enquired about her relationships with peers and thereafter touched her leg before sexually assaulting her.
The victims bravely disclosed portions of their impact statements, which were presented in court, to illustrate the repercussions of the abuse inflicted by Michael Haynes.
One of the victims stated: “I joined your gym at the age of 10 or 11, a compassionate child with aspirations of becoming a British gymnast.” Upon the onset of the abuse, I felt disoriented and fearful, a burden I have borne with trepidation throughout my life.
“Through the power of social media and relevant documentaries, I have been comforted and inspired by the stories of other victims and their coping mechanisms. I have identified with their thoughts and struggles whilst learning to process what happened.
“This understanding, acceptance and sense of solidarity have eventually allowed me to take this step forward and report the abuse I suffered all those years ago.”
The other victim in the case said: “Michael Haynes violated boundaries I hadn’t yet learned how to name. I didn’t understand what had happened – or how I felt about it. I just knew something had shifted in me. Something had been taken by someone I trusted, and I carried confusion and shame for many years.
“I still live with the effects of what happened, but I also live with pride in who I’ve become. All you have left now is shame.”
She added: “I would like to thank Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Crown Court, the Witness Care Service, and everyone involved in bringing about this conviction.
“It has been a lengthy process, but I have felt fully supported and informed the whole way through. For anyone considering coming forward in relation to historic sex offences, please know that Greater Manchester Police will believe you, they will support you and you will feel heard. Today’s justice has been over 25 years in the making – and now it has been served.”
Detective Inspector Rick Lees, of Trafford’s CID, said: “This was a harrowing investigation, and I would like to thank the survivors for their bravery in coming forward after all these years and reporting what happened to them.
“I cannot imagine the psychological effect that this abuse had on them over the years, and I hope today’s sentencing brings some form of closure and a sense of justice.
“Following our investigation, we believe there may be further victims who Haynes taught gymnastics from the same time period of the late 1980s to early 1990s, who may have previously felt unable to come forward.
“We would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who has been a victim of any form of sexual abuse, whether it be recent or non-recent to please get in touch with us, no matter how long ago it was, we will listen to you, and we can help.”
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
- Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
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.