In 2018, the Offender Database recorded that 54-year-old Michael Anderson—of Webster Road, Braunstone—was jailed for the “calculated and predatory” exploitation of a young girl. Anderson appeared at Leicester Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. It was reported that the investigation established Anderson targeted the victim when she was just 11 years old, spending years “grooming” her through flattery and the provision of illicit items before the abuse became physical.
The investigation established that Anderson befriended the child in 2012, buying her sweets and clothes to gain her trust. The prosecution reported that he also provided the minor with cigarettes and cannabis, positioning himself as a confidant she could “talk to and rely on.” Leicester Crown Court heard that once the victim turned 13, Anderson’s behaviour shifted to become overtly predatory, leading to sexual activity that the victim eventually reported by confiding in a teacher at her school.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Anderson’s use of drugs and gifts to manipulate an 11-year-old was a classic grooming technique designed to create a dependency. The investigation established that the victim was required to listen to the sentencing from behind a screen in court to protect her from further distress. The prosecution reported that the betrayal of trust was so severe that it necessitated lifelong monitoring and a total ban on any future contact between the offender and the survivor.
Judge-led proceedings at Leicester Crown Court concluded with Anderson being sentenced to 32 months (two years and eight months) in prison. For his actions in Leicester and the “calculated destruction of a child’s safety,” he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life. The judge also imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and an indefinite restraining order, noting that Anderson’s predatory behaviour towards a child he had known since she was 11 required the most stringent long-term safeguards.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Leicestershire, the status of Michael Anderson as of April 10, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: RELEASED ON LICENCE (Sentenced to 32 months in 2018; served custodial term; currently under supervision).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for LIFE.
- SHPO Status: Active (10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order ending 2028; includes strict digital monitoring and bans on contact with minors).
- Restraining Order: INDEFINITE (Banning all contact with the victim).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Leicester Crown Court; investigated by Leicestershire Police.
- Criminal Record: Groomed a child from age 11; Used cannabis and cigarettes as grooming tools; Abused victim from age 13; Conficted after victim spoke to a teacher.
- Origin: Braunstone, Leicester.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Anderson is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender within the Braunstone area. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his “long-term grooming involving the supply of drugs to a minor”—his management is a priority for the Leicestershire Police Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his history of using gifts and intoxicants to lower a child’s defences identifies him as an individual who requires the most intensive tier of statutory oversight, including unannounced home visits and forensic monitoring of all internet-enabled devices.
As a registered sex offender for life, the 62-year-old’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that the indefinite restraining order is a vital safeguard to ensure the survivor can move forward without fear of further contact. Any change of residence in Leicester or elsewhere, any attempt to contact the victim, or any unauthorised proximity to children will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who demonstrated a persistent and “predatory intent” to exploit a vulnerable young person.
QUESTION – Given that the offender used “Cigarettes and Cannabis” to groom an 11-year-old, do you believe that “Supply of Drugs to a Minor” should be a mandatory aggravating factor that doubles the minimum custodial sentence in all sexual exploitation cases?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.