Fury as paedophile escapes jail

The Mirror - UK

August 24, 2007

by Richard Smith.


A judge who spared a paedophile jail for a string of sex attacks was branded "pathetic" yesterday by the pervert's own sister.

Senior Jehovah's Witness Michael Porter, 38, attacked boys for 14 years between 1986 and 2000.

He admitted 24 charges of gross indecency and indecent assault on 13 children, one only 18 months old.

But Judge Tom Crowther gave him three years' community rehabilitation after being told he had had therapy and was a changed man.

As she left Bristol crown court Porter's sister Tina Hughes said it was an insult to his victims. She added: "I'm very angry. I can't believe the judge thinks he is safe to be allowed on the streets. He won't stop.

"He blamed his childhood for the attacks, which was a lie, but the judge ate it all up. He had no right to leave the courtroom. He's not human - he's an evil monster."

She said parents trusted Porter, an Elder in the Witnesses in Portishead and Clevedon, Somerset, to babysit, take children on holiday and have sleepovers at his home.

She said: "Children loved him and parents worshipped him. They thought he was God's son on earth.

"He was the last man they'd ever suspect of something so horrific." He now lives in Finchley, North London, and is thought to be an Elder in Mill Hill. Ms Hughes said: "They're backing him and haven't thrown him out. He'll still be in contact with children and visiting houses door to door."

Porter was also banned from any unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18 and put on the Sex Offenders' Register.

Norman Brennan, founder of the Victims of Crime Trust, said it "gives paedophiles a licence to offend", adding: "This out-of-touch sentence does nothing to reassure the British public."

Labour MP Dan Norris said: "I hope the Witnesses will ensure children's safety by expelling Mr Porter. I hope they will not turn a blind eye because of his faith."

Avon and Somerset police said they will consider an appeal. A source said: "One of the problems was that most of the victims were not prepared to make statements.

"The offences took place a long time ago and most of them seemed keen to put it all behind them."

No one from the Witnesses in Clevedon or London was available.

Jehovah's Witnesses who fail to live by the religion's strict moral code face expulsion. Porter escaped this, according to his sister, and is being supported by Witnesses.


http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/2007/08/24/24-vile-attacks-on-kids-no-jail-89520-19680587/