Prolific Sexual Predator from Southport Convicted of 27 Offences
A man from Sefton has been jailed today, Friday 2 May, after pleading guilty to 27 child sex offences targeting underage children across the country.
Michael Lymath, of no fixed address but formerly from Southport, was sentenced to 20 years in prison at Liverpool Crown Court today, plus eight years extended licence period which is additional time during which the offender is supervised in the community after their release. He had pleaded guilty to the catalogue of sex offences against underage girls at a previous court hearing.
In December last year detectives arrested and charged 43-year-old Lymath following a report from a child victim that they had been offered payment for images. A search of Lymath’s home address was conducted where numerous exhibits were seized, Lymath was initially charged with the reported offence along with Possession of cannabis, Possession of cocaine and Possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.
Lymath was remanded into custody by the courts while detectives continued investigating the full scope of Lymath’s offending, which resulted in him being convicted of 27 offences which he committed across the UK between 2020 and until his arrest in December 2024. The long list of additional charges included Rape of a girl under the age of 13, Cause/incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, Engage in sexual communication with a child, Attempt to cause/incite a girl to engage in sexual activity, two counts of Cause a child to watch/look at an image of sexual activity, Possession of cannabis, Possession of cocaine and Possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.
The court heard that Lymath would prey on underage children on social media under various guise’s that included pretending he was a 17-year-old boy and message them.
Following a complex investigation detectives discovered that he had been in contact with several victims from across the UK. Lymath had groomed children online and had met in person them where he engaged in sexual activity.
He had also lured multiple victims to send explicit images of themselves by offering them payment.
Detective Constable Rory Quigley said: “This sentence follows a lengthy and complex investigation to bring Lymath before the courts so that he pays for his crimes.
“He was a prolific sexual predator – targeting young and vulnerable children for his own sexual gratification, thinking he could get away with it.
“He manipulated his vulnerable young victims and sent them explicit videos to watch. In one instance he told child victim that he knew where they lived to manipulate them into sending him sexually explicit images which were categorised A, B and C.”
Detective Chief Inspector Lisa McNaughton added: “I would like to thank his victims for their courage and bravery throughout the investigation to help bring this conviction, Lymath will now spend a considerable amount of time behind bars and will not be able to victimise any other children.
“Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.
“We hope this lengthy custodial sentence shows that victims of sexual offences are taken seriously, no matter how long ago they may have taken place and will do our utmost to secure a prosecution and conviction against those perpetrating these crimes.
“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police.
“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”
If you’ve been affected by sexual offences of any kind, then please know that there is a lot of support available.
You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences anonymously herehttps://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/how-to-report-rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/
There is also support available from specialist officers within Merseyside Police and through the Police and Crime Commissioner's Victim Care Merseyside service, delivered jointly by two registered charities.
In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support:
NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mailhelp@nspcc.org.uk
Childline – call 0800 1111
Merseyside Police also works with other UK forces, agencies and the Child Exploitation Online Protection centre as well as law enforcement agencies across the world who share our determination to protect children from dangerous offenders online.
Here is a guide by Merseyside Police and The National Crime Agency's CEOP Education team on how to help protect children and young people from online child sexual abuse:
•https://www.merseyside.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/online-child-abuse/
•https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
Parents and victims can get support and advice on how to keep safe online from the following organisations:
PAPYRUS provides confidential advice and support and works to prevent young suicide in the UK
Samaritans to talk any time you like in your own way and off the record
Get Safe Online
Revenge Porn Helpline
Skype advice on protecting yourself from blackmail
Thinkuknow
Childline online
Internet Watch Foundation