A 39-year-old man from Newport has been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court after being convicted of penetrative sexual activity involving a 13-year-old boy and possessing indecent images of children.
Michael Hole, of Newport, South Wales, appeared for sentence on Monday 12 October 2026 following a police investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation and digital child abuse material.
The court was told that Hole first encountered the victim after stopping his vehicle beside the boy and his peers. Hole agreed to supply the group with cigarettes and alcohol before inviting them into his home. After the other youths left, Hole subjected the 13-year-old victim to sexual assault. Prosecutor Paul Hewitt outlined that the child suffered a physical injury during the assault, but Hole persisted with the abuse.
Hole arranged further encounters with the child and subsequently sent him a message instructing him to return when he attained the age of 16, asserting that the sexual conduct would be lawful at that point. More than ten years later, the survivor formally disclosed the offending to the police, describing long-term psychological distress, severe depression, and anxiety that continued into his adult life.
When questioned by officers, Hole denied the allegations and claimed the boy was over 16 at the time. A forensic examination of his mobile phone revealed 30 indecent images of an 11-year-old child, consisting of seven Category B and 23 Category C images. The mother of the second child detailed in a statement the profound impact the offences had had on her son and family.
Hole maintained his innocence but was convicted by a jury on all counts. Judge Celia Hughes condemned his actions, stating that Hole had exploited a vulnerable child when he had a clear responsibility to recognise that vulnerability.
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 the public identification of protected individuals is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Hole was convicted of:
- Three counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a boy
- Two counts of possessing indecent images of children
Passing sentence on 12 October 2026, Judge Celia Hughes handed Hole an immediate custodial sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment.
Alongside the custodial sentence, the court ordered:
- A Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) running for a period of 10 years
- A restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim for 15 years
- Indefinite notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register for life under the Sexual Offences Act 2003
- Formal post-custody licence supervision conditions upon release from prison
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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