A Bootle paedophile, Michael Hollywood, was reduced to tears when one of his victims stated, “you are not a monster, you are a coward.” Michael Hollywood documented his sexual assault of a teenage girl while surreptitiously perpetrating a series of heinous acts for over a decade.
His disgrace was revealed only when a relative discovered a disturbing collection of obscene photographs on his laptop while he desperately attempted to reclaim the computer as law enforcement approached regarding his misconduct. This also resulted in the discovery of a collection of images and videos of a woman whom he covertly recorded while undressed.
Liverpool Crown Court was informed yesterday afternoon, Monday, that Michael Hollywood, previously of Bootle, was apprehended in connection with an unrelated issue in January of this year, but declined to provide the password for his mobile phone. Merseyside Police subsequently solicited assistance from his relatives in their investigation, resulting in one relative inspecting an Acer laptop that he had left in their custody.
Simon Christie, prosecuting, characterised the 43-year-old defendant as “fixated” on the device and having made multiple fruitless attempts to recover the computer. Upon finally accessing the PC, the family member uncovered a collection of disturbing images and films stored on the hard drive.
Officers subsequently discovered about 3,000 indecent photos of youngsters, including several of Michael Hollywood, most recently from Southfield Drive in Westhoughton, near Bolton, sexually assaulting a juvenile girl. Others, which he had not acquired, were evidently gathered between November 2003 and October 2023.
Other documents subsequently disclosed that Michael Hollywood had clandestinely captured a series of sexual images of a woman without her consent. During a video connection appearance at HMP Liverpool, Michael Hollywood appeared to be in tears as a succession of comments from his victims were presented to the court.
One expressed to him: “I cannot adequately articulate the sense of violation I experience due to your actions.” I hope that during these processes, you experience the same fear and violation.
“How could I not know what was happening to me? I was naïve, like a child should be. I had no idea that evil such as you existed, because I was innocent.
“I will survive this. The panic attacks will lessen, the fear will subside, the nightmares will fade. You will fade, because you are not a monster. You are a coward. Your actions will not define me.
“You have ruined your own life and not mine, and I will not be your victim. I’m going to create a beautiful life. While you’re rotting in a cell, alone, scared and miserable, I’ll be living a life of happiness.”
Her mum meanwhile said: “I stand here today numb to the last three months. I’ve already cried every possible tear and felt every inch of pain. I will never stop imagining the horror you caused her.
“I know exactly what you are. You are a predator and a coward. I don’t hope you find peace and hope you carry what you have done for the rest of your life. You don’t deserve forgiveness.”
The other complainant added in her own statement: “I beg that he’s not given an opportunity to repeat his sickening crimes. He has shown no remorse. I hope you rot.”
Michael Hollywood has no previous convictions [DUE TO INEFFECTIVE POLICING FOR THE DECADE PLUS HE WAS MOLESTING THE CHILD]. Jeremy Rawson, defending, told the court: “He is, in all other respects, a perfectly decent individual who has obtained qualifications and worked throughout his life. Regrettably, the black side of his character has come to the fore and he now has to pay the price for it.
“He has been stunned by what has happened to him. He accepts that it is his own fault. He has this black side to his character which overtook him, which he bitterly regrets.
“He is going to have a long time to reflect on what he has done. He is remorseful. He wishes that the clock could be turned back. Regrettably, it cannot be and he has to pay the penalty for it.”
Michael Hollywood admitted sexual assault, assault by penetration, three counts of taking indecent images of a child, voyeurism, three counts of making indecent images and possession of indecent images. Wearing a grey prison issue jumper and sporting a shaved head and a beard, he showed no reaction as he was jailed for nine years.
Sentencing, Judge Katherine Pierpoint said: “On the face of it, you, Michael Hollywood, were living a lawful life. Later, those in your life realised that there was another side to you. You have a sexual interest in children.
“When she opened up that laptop, she was confronted by the most disturbing of images. She will never forget what she saw, something she will have to live with for the rest of her life. The sexual abuse of children has untold, devastating effects. The recording of your sexual abuse is a serious aggravating feature in your case.”
The judge added of the victim of Michael Hollywood’s sexual assaults: “She is a bright and strong young woman who should be proud of herself. You took advantage of her in the worst possible way. I hope it is right that she will put this behind her and continue to live a positive life.
“She is an impressive, eloquent woman who has a positive future before her, unlike, as she said in that statement, you. I accept that you have shown a level of remorse. I hope it is right that you understand the effect you have had on these women.”
Michael Hollywood will be required to serve two thirds of this term behind bars before becoming eligible for release on licence. He was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and will be required to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.
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.