A man in his 70s, who followed a child into toilets and sexually abused him has been sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court.
Michael Lamb, 74, of Levens Drive, Carlisle, was arrested following the incident, remanded and admitted sexual activity with a child.
He was sentenced to 40 months in prison and a sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard how, on February 1, a boy aged 13 had gone into the toilets at Market Hall in Carlisle but was followed in by Lamb.
The boy went into a cubicle but Lamb followed him inside and put his hand over the child’s mouth, telling him “don’t say anything or I’ll hurt you”.
Lamb put his foot against the cubicle door and sexually abused the boy.
Lamb admitted the offence.
He was sentenced to 40 months in prison and given a sexual harm prevention order.
Detective Constable Lee Clark said: “This was a horrific attack on a young boy who was threatened and had no means of escaping the situation Lamb put him in.
“Lamb initially refused to take any responsibility for his actions. However, the investigation showed unequivocally that Lamb had attacked the young boy, resulting in a guilty plea at court.
“Support is available in Cumbria for victims of sexual offences. The constabulary works closely with trusted partner agencies to provide the appropriate support which is tailored to an individual’s circumstances.
“I would encourage anyone who has been victim to a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate. You will be supported throughout our investigation.”
