Spiritual 'Healer' Jailed For 16 Years For Sex Offences

05/03/2013

Michael Ireland, a self-styled spiritual healer, was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment at Minshull St Crown Court today for 25 sexual offences against eight victims, six women and two children, committed over more than twenty years. The offences included assaults on women and a young girl that he was supposed to be healing and providing therapy to.

Joanne Palmiero, Senior Crown Prosecutor, North West Area said:

"Michael Ireland preyed on vulnerable women and girls who came to him for help and who put their trust in him.  The offences he committed and his betrayal of their trust have had a devastating effect on them. 

"The victims have shown tremendous courage in coming forward to police and in being prepared to give evidence against him at court and I am pleased that this case has reached a successful conclusion.  Michael Ireland today begins a long prison sentence for these crimes and will no longer pose a danger to other women."

Michael Ireland was convicted of three charges of sexual activity with a child, two charges of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, 6 charges of indecent assault, 10 charges of sexual assault and four charges of assault by penetration.

He was also given a sexual offences prevention order for an indefinite period which prohibits him from approaching or communicating with girls under the age of 16 and prohibits him from offering, teaching or participating in any form of spiritual or therapeutic services, including healing, involving women or girls when he is eventually released.