News

Trafford gymnastics coach jailed for 18 years after raping and sexually assaulting young girls

The abuse occurred from the late 80s to early 90s.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 30th May 2025

A gymnastics coach from Trafford has been jailed after being found guilty of non-recent rape and sexual assault against young girls he taught.

It comes after a woman bravely came forward to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) back in September 2020 to disclose the prolonged abuse she suffered at the hands of a sports coach during her youth – with the years of offending spanning from the late 1980s to the early 90s.

That coach was Michael Haynes, from the Urmston area of Trafford.

Mr Haynes, who is now 77 years old, appeared at Manchester Crown Court and was sentenced this week after a four-week trial.

During the trial, the court heard how in the late 80s, one of the victims – who was 11 at the time – joined Trafford School of Gymnastics, and it was here where Haynes first sexually assaulted her by inappropriately touching her through her clothing as he was appearing to ‘help’ her with stretching exercises.

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This progressed over time, and eventually turned from sexual touching to rape – with offences occurring in his vehicle whilst he was assisting the victim’s family to transport her to and from the gymnastics club.

Following these discoveries, then in December 2023, another woman learned that Haynes was to stand trial for sexual offences and bravely came forward to the police to report what happened to her when she was around 12 years old and had already been at the gymnastics school for years with Haynes.

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Michael Haynes
Michael Haynes / Credit: GMP

The court learned how Haynes began inappropriately asking her about relationships with other boys her age, before proceeding to touch her leg and sexually assault her.

“Michael Haynes violated boundaries I hadn’t yet learned how to name,” the first victim tragically explained in a victim impact statement.

“I didn’t understand what had happened, or how I felt about it. I just knew something had shifted in me. Something had been taken by someone I trusted, and I carried confusion and shame for many years. I still live with the effects of what happened, but I also live with pride in who I’ve become. All you have left now is shame.”

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Michael Haynes has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after he was found guilty of nine counts of rape and 11 counts of sexual assault against two girls.

Following the sentencing this week, Detective Inspector Rick Lees, of Trafford’s CID, said: “This was a harrowing investigation, and I would like to thank the survivors for their bravery in coming forward after all these years and reporting what happened to them.

“I cannot imagine the psychological effect that this abuse had on them over the years, and I hope today’s sentencing brings some form of closure and a sense of justice.”

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Following the investigation, GMP said it believes there may be further victims of Haynes’ from the same time period who may have previously felt unable to come forward.

“We would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who has been a victim of any form of sexual abuse, whether it be recent or non-recent to please get in touch with us, no matter how long ago it was, we will listen to you, and we can help,” DI Lees concluded.

Featured Image – GMP

News

‘Disgusting predator’ from Wythenshawe jailed for life for child rape and sex offences

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Matthew Webb mugshot

A Wythenshawe man has been jailed for life after being found guilty of several sexual offences against a child.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that the offences came to light on Sunday 28 July 2024 after the victim disclosed that she had been raped by an adult man, who has been identified as Matthew Webb from Wythenshawe, and reported it to the police with support from a family member.  

An investigation was then immediately launched, and the victim agreed to be interviewed.

Supported by officers, the victim bravely disclosed further abuse she had been subjected to between the ages of 11-15 – including rape and sexually assault on ‘several’ occasions.

Webb was subsequently arrested on suspicion of rape of a female under 16 on 28 July 2024, and then on 4 August 2024, he was further arrested on suspicion of the same offence based on new evidence obtained. 

During his interviews, the 34-year-old was said to be uncooperative and answered “no comment” to all questions asked.

Matthew Webb has been jailed for 28 years for child rape and sex offences / Credit: GMP

Although Webb was charged with sexual offences against a child, he denied all these charges and pleaded ‘not guilty’ at his hearing.

Throughout the investigation and his trial, police say he showed ‘no remorse’. 

Following a week-long trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Webb was found guilty by jury on one count of rape of a girl under the age of 13, one count of rape of a girl under 16 on no fewer than five occasions, three counts of rape of a girl under the age of 16, two counts of sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13 by touching, and three counts of making indecent images of a child. 

Yesterday (25 September 2025) he was finally handed a 28-year jail sentence, and has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely. 

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“Webb is a disgusting predator who though he could use a child for his own gratification with total disregard,” commented investigating officer DC Blackburn, from South Manchester’s Child Protection unit.

“I hope this sentence brings the victim a sense of justice and allows her to move on as she rebuilds her life.

Featured Image – GMP

News

Science and Industry Museum FINALLY sets grand reopening date for iconic Power Hall

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The Science and Industry Museum is gearing up to mark a monumental milestone.

It’s been a long time coming, but in just a few weeks time, it’ll be welcoming visitors back inside one of the UK’s most significant industrial heritage buildings – the Power Hall.

Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery is a free working gallery where visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, smells, and sounds of the engine-driven ideas and industry that started in Manchester and went on to change the world.

Officially set to reopen Friday 17 October, it’s the latest building to open as part of a multi-million-pound regeneration project currently taking place across the Science and Industry Museum to conserve its historic buildings and reveal new spaces for all visitors to enjoy, play, and learn in for generations to come.

When the building throws open its doors, you can expect the return of iconic engines – including some that will be running for the first time in more than a decade – alongside a whole host of new interactives, perspectives, and people stories that reveal the innovation of Manchester’s industrial heritage. 

Originally built as a shipping shed for the world’s first inter-city steam powered passenger railway, Power Hall is Grade II-listed building of ‘global importance’.

It was the building that the museum first opened back in September 1983, when it became home to one of the UK’s largest collections of historic working engines.

Power Hall temporarily closed in 2019 to allow for urgent repair works to be carried out, as well as a ‘pioneering’ de-carbonisation project to reduce the building’s carbon emissions, and a reimagining of its displays, interpretation, and visitor experience.

The Science and Industry Museum has finally set its grand reopening date for iconic Power Hall / Credit: Science Museum Group

But after more than five years, it’s now thundering towards its reopening, and is bringing a train load of working machinery, hands-on interactives, and brand-new stories to discover along with it.

“This is a hugely significant moment for our museum and for Manchester,” said Sally MacDonald, who is the Director of the Science and Industry Museum.

“Power Hall symbolises the city’s innovation, creativity, and resilience, and we are overjoyed that visitors will soon be back to enjoy all the amazing objects and stories on display. Ideas that began in this city have impacted people and places across the world and shaped life as we know it, and Power Hall showcases this in a very physical way.

“Our colleagues who first set up this gallery in 1983 knew that science and engineering have always been crucial to Manchester’s success and future growth. 

The Grade II-listed Power Hall closed in 2019 for urgent repair works / Credit: Science Museum Group

“Many people have told me that the Power Hall was inspirational for them as children, and I hope now it can inspire a new generation of inventors and technicians.”

Sally added that she wants to say a ‘massive thank you’ to the museum’s fantastic collaborators, partners, and funders for helping them to create this ‘must-see’ Manchester experience.

She concluded: “Of course, thank you to our visitors for their patience and sustained interest while Power Hall has been closed.

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“I speak on behalf of everyone at the museum when I say we can’t wait to welcome you back.”

Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery will reopen on Friday 17 October, and visits are free and included as part of a museum ticket.

Featured Image – Science Museum Group

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