ANTHONY SHACKLETON AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN MERSEYDALE AND BIRKENHEAD
A woman in her eighties endured a horrifying and invasive assault when a burglar broke into her home in Birkenhead, Merseyside, during the early hours of May 31 this year.The incident, which has left the elderly victim deeply traumatized, was detailed in court proceedings, revealing the disturbing nature of the crime.
According to court reports, the victim, who was confined to her bed at the time, was abruptly awakened to find Anthony Shackleton, a 33-year-old man, standing over her with a hoodie pulled over his head.
The woman, frightened and confused, asked him to identify himself and to leave her home.
Instead of complying, Shackleton responded with verbal abuse, calling her a "nosey b***h" and a "c***," before proceeding to sexually assault her in a manner described as both dark and deviant.
During the assault, Shackleton noticed that the woman was wearing an incontinence pad.
He then insulted her by calling her a "baby," and further escalated his assault by placing an object, likened to a golf ball, into her mouth.
Additionally, he covered her face with a flannel, making the situation even more terrifying for the elderly woman.
The court heard that Shackleton also slapped her across the face, leaving a visible red mark.
In the course of the break-in, Shackleton stole the victim’s purse and a sentimental bracelet, a keepsake given to her by her son, who had tragically passed away.
The investigation linked Shackleton to the crimes through DNA evidence found on a disposable vape left at the scene and on the stolen purse, establishing his involvement beyond doubt.
The victim later provided a heartfelt impact statement, describing her ongoing fear and reluctance to sleep, as images of Shackleton’s face continue to haunt her.
Her daughter also submitted a statement, expressing how the incident has shattered her mother’s life.
She recounted that her mother was rushed to hospital following the assault, with doctors fearing she might not survive the night due to her frailty.
Despite multiple hospitalizations since the attack, her mother has shown remarkable resilience, thanks to her mental strength and tenacity.
In court, the victim’s daughter addressed Shackleton directly, stating, "You deserve to go to prison for a long time as you are clearly a danger." The emotional impact of the crime was evident, with the family emphasizing the profound and lasting damage inflicted.
Shackleton’s criminal history was also discussed during the hearing.
He has four previous convictions, including charges of burglary and conspiracy to commit blackmail.
His defense attorney, Chris Stables, acknowledged that Shackleton’s troubled childhood and struggles with substance abuse contributed to his actions.
The lawyer emphasized that Shackleton was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the offense, which he described as a factor in his client’s behavior.
Although Shackleton initially denied the sexual assault, he later pleaded guilty to both burglary and sexual assault of a female.
The court was informed that Shackleton had previous employment and possessed employability skills, but his recent actions overshadowed these aspects.
Judge Robert Trevor-Jones addressed Shackleton directly, condemning his conduct.
He described the burglary as "despicable enough," but characterized the sexual assault as a "dark and deviant impulse" that was difficult to comprehend.
The judge’s remarks underscored the severity of the crimes and the need for appropriate punishment to protect the community from individuals like Shackleton.
