Child killer back behind bars after investigation by Barnsley police

A convicted child killer who went on to sexually abuse a young girl in Barnsley is back behind bars for life.

Michael Waters, 78, from Somerset will spend the rest of his life in prison after being given a life sentence at Sheffield Crown Court for nine counts of sexual offences, including attempted rape.

It follows a long and complex investigation launched by detectives in Barnsley after a victim came forward to say she was sexually assaulted by Waters in the 1970s.

“A referral was made to us in 2015 after the victim disclosed that during the 1970s she was sexually abused by Waters over a number of years,” says investigating officer Detective Constable Andy Anstey.

“The victim, who was under 14 at the time the abuse began, was terrified of Waters, who preyed on her innocent nature and took advantage of her, going on to sexually assault her at any opportunity he had.

“Waters had an allergy to oranges and the victim was so petrified of him that she carried an orange with her, which she would begin to peel in a bid to deter him every time he came near her.

“On one occasion the victim believes she would have been raped by Waters, had he not been disturbed as he abused her one evening, subjecting her to yet another horrifying ordeal.”

Detectives in Barnsley began an investigation, gathering evidence from people across the world.

As they looked in to Waters’ background, they discovered he had been convicted of murdering a nine-year-old girl in Liverpool in 1959.

He served ten years of his sentence before he was released, moving to the West Yorkshire area. He was recalled to prison in the late 80s and released in 2015, when South Yorkshire Police began investigating and unearthed a catalogue of abuse.

DC Anstey said: “During our enquiries a second victim, a young girl also under the age of 14 at the time of the abuse, came forward from the West Yorkshire area.

“This victim endured two years of horrific sexual abuse at the hands of Waters, robbing her of years of her young life.

“Thankfully, down to evidence given by the two victims and countless witnesses we were able to charge Waters with one count of attempted rape and eight counts of indecent assaults on girls under the age of 14.

“Throughout the two-year investigation we were determined to see him put back behind bars for the rest of his life and I’d like to thank the victims once again for supporting us throughout this investigation. Without their help, this would not have been possible and they are truly remarkable women.

“Waters is an extremely dangerous individual who, since the age of 21, has committed inexplicably horrendous crimes, showing no remorse and going on to reoffend.

“Having already served 30-years behind bars previously, and now in his late 70s, I’m confident that Waters will spend the rest of his life in jail, which is undoubtedly where he belongs due to the danger he poses."