GAVIN SLOAN SENTENCED TO 21 YEARS FOR ABHORRENT CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN SHREWSBURY AND MINSTERLEY

Gavin Sloan, a man formerly residing on Briar Close in Minsterley near Shrewsbury, has received a significant prison sentence of 21 years after being found guilty of a series of gruesome sexual offences, including the heinous act of raping a child. Sloan, aged 46, entered a guilty plea last month to more than 30 serious charges, which encompassed the rape of a minor, possession of indecent images of children, and multiple sexual assaults against young victims.

The criminal case culminated in a sentencing hearing held on Thursday, 12 May, during which Sloan was formally sentenced to serve 21 years behind bars. His conviction followed an extensive investigation by West Mercia Police, which began in May 2021 when officers executed a warrant at Sloan’s residence. The police action was motivated by suspicions that Sloan may have been in possession of indecent images of children. Upon search and seizure, law enforcement officials uncovered numerous videos depicting such illicit material, including one particularly disturbing recording allegedly showing Sloan himself sexually assaulting a young child.

The images and videos recovered during the raid dated from 2013 to 2021, revealing years of illicit activity. The disturbing findings prompted further investigation, leading to the arrest and subsequent charging of two other individuals: Louise Smith and Jenna Ball. Smith, aged 42 and formerly of Cheshire, faced allegations involving 12 counts of sexual activity in the presence of a child and causing a child to engage in sexual acts. Jenna Ball, aged 37 and residing on Sutton Road in Kidderminster, was charged with three counts of arranging child sex offences, causing a child to commit a sexual act, and possession of indecent images.

All three defendants appeared before Shrewsbury Crown Court and were declared guilty after a thorough trial. The court’s ruling reflects the seriousness of their crimes and the danger they posed to vulnerable young victims.

Detective Inspector Jo Delahay commented on the case, describing it as among the most harrowing investigations her team has handled. She expressed satisfaction with the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of justice for the victims: “This investigation has been one of the most harrowing for all involved, and we welcome the sentence that has been handed to Sloan. We also welcome the sentences handed to Ball and Smith for their part in assisting Sloan. He is a highly dangerous individual who preyed on young and vulnerable victims, and it is incomprehensible that he would commit such crimes against children and young people. Our thoughts remain with the victims and those close to them.”