Sex Offender Jailed for Over 16 Years for Abuse of Young Boy

A sex offender who abused a young boy in Sheffield during the 1980s and 1990s has been jailed for over 16 years.

Michael Copeland, aged 74, groomed the victim over a number of years when he was between eight and 12 years old.

The victim, now an adult, bravely reported the abuse in November 2022. Copeland, who lived in Sheffield at the time of the offenses but later moved to Cornwall, was arrested at his home in Truro.

Following a thorough investigation, Copeland pleaded guilty to 15 charges of non-recent sexual abuse.

At Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday (26 September), Copeland was sentenced to 16 years and six months in prison. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Investigating officer Wendy Howe, who led the investigation, said: "The victim in this case showed tremendous courage in coming forward to tell us what happened to him when he was a child. I am pleased Copeland has been handed a significant prison sentence for his vile actions and hope it may help the victim to begin to find closure and move on with the rest of his life."

"As this case demonstrates, it is never too late to report sexual abuse to us, even if it happened many years ago. If you have suffered sexual abuse in the past, please tell us. We will investigate and we will pursue justice on your behalf."