IAN SHIPLEY FROM TANG HALL, YORK, SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AT BRADFORD CROWN COURT

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Tang Hall, York, Ian Shipley, aged 50, was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The court heard that Shipley, a resident of Burlington Avenue in Tang Hall, had been involved in the abuse starting when the victim was just four or five years old, around the year 1973, when Shipley was only 15.

According to court records, the abuse was not a one-time event but a prolonged series of assaults that continued into the girl’s teenage years. The victim, who was a neighbor of Shipley's family, endured repeated sexual assaults within her own home, which left her with lasting psychological scars. The court was informed that the trauma inflicted upon her resulted in serious episodes of depression that persisted long after the abuse had ceased.

During an earlier hearing, disturbing details emerged about the extent of the abuse. It was revealed that Shipley had pushed her fingers into electric sockets and had even hit her with a screwdriver, illustrating a pattern of violent and abusive behavior.

Judge Peter Benson, presiding over the case, described Shipley as “a very clever and manipulative man” who exploited his charm to gain the trust of the victim’s parents. The court acknowledged the positive character references submitted on Shipley's behalf from his employer, family, and friends. However, the judge emphasized that these testimonials did not reflect the true nature of Shipley's character, especially in light of the evidence presented during the trial.

Judge Benson stated, “I saw another side of you when I tried your case before Christmas.” He pointed out that Shipley had used his personality and charm to conceal his abusive actions from the victim’s family, who trusted him. The judge further condemned Shipley’s actions, noting that he saw the victim as a vulnerable child whom he took advantage of for his own gratification.

The impact of the abuse on the young girl was profound. She was described as a distressed and emotionally upset individual, forced to relive traumatic events during her testimony. Her suffering was evident, and her mental health had been severely affected by the years of abuse.

In sentencing, the court considered the severity and duration of the offenses. Shipley was handed a total of 11 years in prison, comprising two years for indecent assault, 18 months for two specimen charges of indecent assault, another 18 months for additional counts of indecency with a child, and a significant six-year sentence for a serious sexual assault on the same victim. The court found him guilty of these offenses at a previous hearing.

Prosecutor Gill Batts highlighted that the victim had become sexualized at a young age and had engaged in inappropriate touching of other children, indicating the long-term effects of the abuse.

Defense attorney Craig Hassall maintained that Shipley continued to deny the charges. He pointed out that his client was only 15 at the time of the first offense, had no prior convictions, and that the last offense occurred 25 years ago. Hassall also noted that Shipley was a respected member of the community, having worked throughout his life, primarily in the construction industry.

Throughout the trial, Shipley was supported by his family, many of whom were visibly emotional as they left the court. They chose not to comment publicly on the case. As part of his sentence, Shipley was also banned from working with children and will be eligible to apply for parole after serving five and a half years of his sentence.

With the case now concluded, the community of Tang Hall, York, remains shaken by the revelations, and the victim’s ordeal has brought to light the devastating impact of long-term abuse by someone trusted within the community.