A 49-year-old man from Wisbech has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment at Cambridge Crown Court after engaging in sexually explicit communications with an undercover officer posing as a 12-year-old child.
Michael Richardson, of Money Bank, Wisbech, appeared for sentence on Monday 3 August 2026 following an operation carried out by Cambridgeshire Police.
The prosecution outlined that Richardson initiated contact on the mobile messaging platform Kik on 28 January. Operating under the belief that he was speaking with a 12-year-old girl, Richardson transmitted sexually explicit communications, repeatedly asking the decoy to touch herself inappropriately and soliciting photographs so he could create an illicit video.
On 28 March, officers executed an arrest warrant at Richardson’s home address in Money Bank, detaining him and confiscating his mobile telephone. Subsequent forensic examination of the digital device revealed 48 indecent images of children.
Authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, Richardson was formally indicted on multiple counts and entered guilty pleas to all charges.
Passing sentence on 3 August 2026, the Crown Court judge handed Richardson an immediate custodial sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.
Under the provisions of Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, all child victims and complainants connected to criminal proceedings are protected by automatic, lifelong statutory anonymity. Publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating any details, names, addresses, educational facilities, or photographs capable of leading to public identification is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Richardson pleaded guilty to:
Attempting to cause or incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity (penetration)
Attempted sexual communication with a child
Attempting to cause a child under 13 to watch or look at an image of sexual activity
Three counts of making indecent images of children
Sentencing outcome and statutory measures:
Seven years’ immediate custody
Indefinite notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register under the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act 2003
An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) restricting access to the internet, communication platforms, and digital devices
Forfeiture and destruction order for the seized mobile equipment
Strict statutory post-custodial licence supervision conditions enforceable upon release from custody
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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