Abuser molested man with special needs with the mindset of a child

An abuser who seriously sexually assaulted a young man with special needs has been sentenced.

Michael Pagett groomed the victim, who did not have the mental capacity to refuse his advances.

The 54-year-old self-employed businessman pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder that impeded his choice, during several years, when the young man was in his 20s

Leicester Crown Courtwas told the complainant was of very low IQ with childlike perception.

Pagett, of Ingle Drive, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, also admitted two counts of causing or inciting a person with a mental disorder that impeded his choice to engage in sexual activity.

Grace Hale, prosecuting, said the victim was extremely vulnerable with a number of difficulties and unaware that Pagett was filming the sexual activity.

He eventually complained to his mother who raised the alarm and the defendant was arrested and the indecent footage seized – which the judge ordered to be destroyed.

She told the court her loving loyal and happy son now appeared “completely different,” constantly on edge, wary and tearful.

She said: “His whole concept of trust is shattered.

“There’s no more jokes and he just wants to spend time on his own; all of our lives have changed but most of all my son’s.

He’s had fits and panic attacks caused by the stress and worry.

“He’s confused, anxious and upset; worried that he is in trouble.

“He gets upset and asks if he’s going to go to prison and I have to assure him he’s done nothing wrong.

“It hurts so much to see my son upset.

“It plays on his mind and causes fear.”

Sentencing, Judge Robert Brown said: “I deal with you as someone of hitherto good character.

“You developed a friendship which became sexual abuse of this young man, in mental terms he’s under the age of 13.

Pagett was jailed for 10 years.

He was placed on a sexual harm prevention order and will have to enrol on a sex offenders’ register when he is released.