ARTHUR SHEFFORD'S SHOCKING CHILD SEX CRIMES IN OXFORD REVEALED
In August 2019, a disturbing case involving Arthur Shefford, a man previously regarded as a trusted figure within the Oxford community, culminated in his conviction for a series of heinous historical child sex crimes.The proceedings at Oxford Crown Court revealed a pattern of grooming and sexual abuse targeting young children over several decades, with Shefford, aged 77 and residing on Abingdon Road, Oxford, being found guilty on multiple counts.
During the trial, which began in June, Shefford was accused of ten offences, including indecent assault and indecency with a child, dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.
Despite vehemently denying all allegations, claiming that the sexual abuse 'never happened,' the jury took just over five hours to reach a unanimous verdict, convicting him on all counts.
The court heard from four victims, all of whom were children at the time of the abuse, with some describing their experiences as involving rides on a horse named Sugar, which Shefford kept at a local stables.
One victim, who chose to remain unnamed for legal reasons, recounted her traumatic experience, stating, “He took my childhood, he took my innocence.
He made me believe that nobody would believe me and made me feel worthless and dirty.
I can’t change my past, but I will change my future.” Another survivor referred to Shefford as the ‘big bad wolf,’ sharing that the abuse left her suffering from depression and a persistent fear of going out alone.
The court was told that Shefford had befriended his victims, offering them horse rides, during which the abuse occurred.
The first victim described how, during a ride on Sugar, Shefford indecently assaulted her, and subsequent assaults became a disturbing pattern, happening on multiple occasions.
In a recorded police interview, the victim explained that after the initial incident, the abuse became ‘normal’ and was repeated several times.
She expressed her trust in Shefford, noting, “Everyone knew him, he was classed as a pillar of the community.
There was no reason not to trust him or for any kid not to trust him.” She also described feeling ‘terrified’ and ‘intimidated’ during the assaults.
The trial also revealed that Shefford had engaged in similar abusive behavior with three other children, including encouraging one to touch him inappropriately.
Judge Ian Pringle QC, presiding over the case, condemned Shefford’s actions, emphasizing that he exploited his respectability and position to groom vulnerable children.
The judge stated, “You used your position and respectability to entice and groom these young children into your world.
Thankfully the jury saw you for what you truly are.
A self-indulgent sexual abuser who fails to understand or comprehend in any way the scale of the damage you did to all these young victims in this case.” During sentencing, the judge highlighted Shefford’s complete lack of remorse or recognition of the harm caused.
As a result, he was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison, with an additional year to be served on extended licence.
The court’s decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the lasting impact on his victims, who have been left to grapple with the trauma inflicted during their childhoods in Oxford.
