BARRY SHAW FROM MILNSBRIDGE SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN LEEDS

In August 2018, a disturbing case of child abuse came to light involving David Shaw, also known as Barry, a resident of Milnsbridge. Shaw was convicted of heinous crimes committed against a young girl over a period of six years, during which he exploited her in a manner that has left lasting scars.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Shaw subjected the girl to prolonged sexual abuse, grooming her by manipulating her with threats of death to herself and others if she failed to comply with his demands. The abuse was characterized by Shaw's disturbing behavior, which included encouraging the girl to masturbate him regularly, a practice he justified through frightening and false claims about the consequences of disobedience.

Further revelations during the trial revealed that Shaw's manipulative and malicious conduct extended beyond the initial grooming. Even after the abuse had ceased, Shaw continued to exert control over the victim by giving her more than £20,000 under the pretense of helping her improve her lifestyle. This financial gesture was part of his ongoing attempt to manipulate and influence her, compounding the trauma she endured.

The dark secret of Shaw’s actions remained hidden for over a decade, only coming to light when the victim finally found the strength to speak out. Prosecutor Simon Reevell detailed some of the most disturbing incidents, including an occasion where Shaw invited both the girl and her friend to engage in sexual acts with him. To protect her friend, the victim was forced to go upstairs and perform the act herself. On two separate occasions, Shaw also coerced the girl into tasting his semen, actions that made her feel physically sick and emotionally distressed.

The victim described her childhood as one marked by silence and fear, explaining that she did not disclose the abuse earlier because she believed she would be punished or blamed. Shaw’s crimes, which involved ten counts of indecency with a child and two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, were met with a guilty plea from Shaw.

During mitigation, Anastasis Tassou pointed out that Shaw had not physically touched the girl in the traditional sense, unlike predatory paedophiles. Tassou also highlighted Shaw’s ongoing care responsibilities for his schizophrenic partner over the past 12 years and his own psychiatric issues, suggesting these factors as part of his background.

However, Judge Ian Harris was unequivocal in his condemnation. He described Shaw’s actions as a betrayal of trust and innocence, emphasizing that Shaw preyed on a vulnerable, trusting child and robbed her of her formative years. The judge stated, “She was a defenceless, vulnerable, innocent and trusting little girl when you began to prey on her and use her as your sexual plaything. You gouged important formative years out of her. Your corrosive and corrupt behaviour has adversely affected her development and life.”

As a result, Shaw, aged 72, was sentenced to eight years in prison. He will serve half of this sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Additionally, he was placed under an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and registered as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. Shaw showed no visible reaction as the sentence was handed down. Members of his family, including his partner, were present in the courtroom, while the victim, overwhelmed by the proceedings, felt unable to attend the hearing.