Jail for child sex offender Michael Snow, who played strip card games with his young victims in Filey and Hull

Michael Snow, 73, from Hull, was sentenced to 17 years in prison at York Crown Court on Friday (August 21) for abuse against two victims he targeted 40 years apart.

He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and he will remain on the sex offenders’ register for the rest of his life.

Snow had previously pleaded guilty to a series of sexual abuses against a boy when the victim was aged between nine and 12.

The offences happened between 2015 to 2017 and were carried out in Hull and in Filey.

The offences were three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child, sexual assault on a child aged under 13, and rape of a child under 13.

The offences were committed when Snow had instigated strip card games with the victim.

After Snow was charged in January this year – the day after the complaint was first made to North Yorkshire Police and investigated by Scarborough CID – a second victim came forward to report that Snow had sexually abused him in similar circumstances in Hull during 1977.

With support from Humberside Police, Snow was charged with further offences including indecency with a child, indecent assault and attempted buggery to which he also pleaded guilty.

The boy who was sexually abused between 2015 and 2017 provided a victim personal statement which was read out at court

“My emotions are bad, I am depressed and constantly anxious and I find I get upset all the time and can’t help crying," he said.

“I have been seeing a specialist counsellor to try to address my emotions, anxiety and depression. Some weeks this has been helpful but often I just cannot pay attention. I have so much going on in my mind.

“I have real difficulties in friendships and find it really hard to trust people. I don’t know if I will ever trust people again.

“I take issues out of context and proportion and I believe that people hate me.

"I have been hurt both physically and emotionally and I know the path to recovery will be slow and painful.”

The victim from 1977, who is now in his early 50s, told the police that the ordeal of being abused as a child had been hanging over him to the present day.

Scarborough CID's Detective Constable Steve Monty, who led the investigation, said: “The systematic and calculated way in which Michael Snow targeted his two victims is truly abhorrent. He disguised his abusive intentions towards the youngsters, making it seem like a ‘game’ while playing cards.

“These are the sickening actions of a very dangerous individual who, having committed the offences 40 years apart, has plainly shown that the best place for him to be is in prison. He will also be subjected to robust restrictions and monitoring for the remainder of his life.

"As for the two victims who have endured unimaginable pain and anguish caused by Snow, I have nothing but admiration for their courage in coming forward to seek justice and access the professional care and support that is readily available.

“I hope that they can take some comfort knowing that the person who has brought them so much misery for so long, is now facing the harsh consequences of his terrible crimes.

“Our message to other victims of sexual abuse, no matter when it occurred, is that we are here to help you every step of the way. Please don’t suffer in silence.”

Anyone with concerns about a child can call police via 101 or the NSPCC helpline for advice on 0808 8005000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.

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