HORACE SHROPSHIRE FROM NEWTOWN SENT TO JAIL FOR SERIAL SEX OFFENCES IN MID WALES
| Red Rose Database
Newtown Rapist
In August 2006, a serious case of child sexual abuse resulted in the imprisonment of Horace Peter Shropshire, a man from Newtown, Mid Wales. The court proceedings revealed that Shropshire, aged 64, had committed a disturbing series of sexual offences involving two young girls, which led to his conviction and subsequent sentencing.
Shropshire pleaded guilty to a total of 16 grave sexual offences, including acts of rape, indecent assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and indecency with a minor. The offences spanned a period during which he exploited two vulnerable girls, with one case involving the heinous act of rape. The court was informed that Shropshire did not perceive his actions as child abuse, a claim that was met with condemnation from the presiding judge.
Judge David Hale, presiding over the case at Mold Crown Court, sentenced Shropshire to seven years in prison. Additionally, he was placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from approaching his victims and mandates that he must not have children living in his home. This order aims to prevent any further harm and protect potential future victims.
The charges also included two counts of voyeurism, which involved the filming of children for Shropshire’s own sexual gratification. These videos were recovered by police during their investigation, providing concrete evidence of his misconduct. The victims expressed their feelings of disgust and hatred towards him, with one victim explicitly stating her feelings of revulsion towards Shropshire to police.
The case came to light after one of the victims confided in her school tutor about the abuse she had endured. This disclosure prompted an investigation that uncovered the abuse of a second girl. The police’s efforts revealed the full extent of Shropshire’s criminal activities, including the rape of one of the victims. Despite his claims to probation officers that he never intended to harm the children, the evidence and testimonies proved otherwise.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution, led by Karl Scholtz, highlighted the severity of the offences and the impact on the victims. The defense, represented by Jonathan Edwards, acknowledged Shropshire’s guilt and noted that he had voluntarily ceased his criminal behavior before police intervention. Edwards also mentioned that Shropshire was eager to seek help and would pursue courses in prison to address his issues.
Judge Hale condemned Shropshire’s actions as unforgivable, emphasizing the betrayal of trust and the profound harm caused to the victims. He remarked that Shropshire had not even allowed the victims to come forward and describe their ordeal in court, underscoring the gravity of his misconduct. The sentencing reflects the serious nature of the crimes committed in Newtown and the broader Mid Wales area, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children from such predators.
Shropshire pleaded guilty to a total of 16 grave sexual offences, including acts of rape, indecent assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and indecency with a minor. The offences spanned a period during which he exploited two vulnerable girls, with one case involving the heinous act of rape. The court was informed that Shropshire did not perceive his actions as child abuse, a claim that was met with condemnation from the presiding judge.
Judge David Hale, presiding over the case at Mold Crown Court, sentenced Shropshire to seven years in prison. Additionally, he was placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from approaching his victims and mandates that he must not have children living in his home. This order aims to prevent any further harm and protect potential future victims.
The charges also included two counts of voyeurism, which involved the filming of children for Shropshire’s own sexual gratification. These videos were recovered by police during their investigation, providing concrete evidence of his misconduct. The victims expressed their feelings of disgust and hatred towards him, with one victim explicitly stating her feelings of revulsion towards Shropshire to police.
The case came to light after one of the victims confided in her school tutor about the abuse she had endured. This disclosure prompted an investigation that uncovered the abuse of a second girl. The police’s efforts revealed the full extent of Shropshire’s criminal activities, including the rape of one of the victims. Despite his claims to probation officers that he never intended to harm the children, the evidence and testimonies proved otherwise.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution, led by Karl Scholtz, highlighted the severity of the offences and the impact on the victims. The defense, represented by Jonathan Edwards, acknowledged Shropshire’s guilt and noted that he had voluntarily ceased his criminal behavior before police intervention. Edwards also mentioned that Shropshire was eager to seek help and would pursue courses in prison to address his issues.
Judge Hale condemned Shropshire’s actions as unforgivable, emphasizing the betrayal of trust and the profound harm caused to the victims. He remarked that Shropshire had not even allowed the victims to come forward and describe their ordeal in court, underscoring the gravity of his misconduct. The sentencing reflects the serious nature of the crimes committed in Newtown and the broader Mid Wales area, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children from such predators.