Followed a child into toilets and sexually assaulted him.

74-Year-Old Man Jailed for Sexual Assault of Child

Michael Lamb, 74, from Levens Drive in Carlisle, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on Thursday 31 August for sexually assaulting a child.

The incident occurred on 1 February 2023 in the toilets of Market Hall, Carlisle. A 13-year-old boy entered the toilets and was followed by Lamb. The boy went into a cubicle, but Lamb followed him inside, put his hand over the child's mouth, and threatened him, saying, "Don't say anything or I'll hurt you."

Lamb then put his foot against the cubicle door and sexually assaulted the boy. Initially, he denied the incident, claiming he was the victim of sexual assault by the child. However, Lamb later admitted to the offence in court.

Lamb was sentenced to 40 months in prison and was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Lee Clark stated, "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 tailored support. Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence is encouraged to contact the police so that their officers can investigate. Support will be provided throughout the investigation.