A man who sexually abused a young girl for years has been jailed for three decades after a lengthy police investigation. Michael Lashley, 38, began a campaign of sexual abuse when his victim was just three years old, escalating the severity of the offences as she grew older and became a teenager. The paedophile, from Waterlooville, Hampshire, physically assaulted, repeatedly raped and threatened to harm the child if she told anyone what he was doing, according to an official police statement.
After she threatened to go to the authorities over text, he responded begging her not to tell anyone and describing himself as a « weak person » who would « not be able to cope » in prison. The girl told a teacher about the long-term abuse in April 2021, who then contacted the police. Following a three-year investigation, officers charged Lashley with four counts of raping a child, one count of sexually assaulting a child and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in August 2024.
The 38-year-old denied the offences but was found guilty following a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court on October 15, 2025.
He was sentenced to 30 years behind bars at the same court on Friday, January 16, and handed a restraining order and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Kerry Needham described it as a « horrific case of repeated rape and sexual abuse ».
« It is utterly inconceivable that a human being could treat a child like this, » she said.
« The bravery shown by this girl in coming forward and not allowing Lashley to get away with his unspeakable crimes is astonishing.
« She should be commended for her courage, and it is because of her that this dangerous offender will now spend a lengthy time in prison. »
The force urged anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse to contact the police by calling 101, contacting Child Line on 0800 11 11 or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
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