LAWRENCE SHAWCROSS FROM SOUTHPORT SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In June 2011, a man from Southport named Lawrence Shawcross was sentenced to 21 months in detention after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a 13-year-old girl. The case drew significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding the offenses and Shawcross's personal background.

At the time of the incidents, Shawcross was 19 years old, although he is known to possibly suffer from Asperger’s Syndrome, a condition that can affect social interactions and understanding. Both Shawcross and the young girl involved were virgins when their relationship began. The relationship reportedly started after Shawcross ended a non-sexual relationship with the girl’s friend. According to court proceedings, after approximately two weeks of their acquaintance, the two decided to engage in sexual activity.

The first encounter took place shortly after Shawcross’s 19th birthday. The pair went to a friend’s house in Southport, where they had sexual intercourse. Prosecutor Charles Lander explained that Shawcross did not force the girl and used a condom during the act. He also advised her not to tell anyone about what had happened, citing concerns about getting into trouble.

About a week later, on June 5 of the following year, the couple returned to the same friend’s house and engaged in sexual activity once again. The girl’s mother, who had been increasingly worried about her daughter’s relationship due to the age difference, pressured her to end the relationship. The girl complied, but Shawcross continued to contact her through text messages. When her mother confiscated her phone and instructed Shawcross to cease communication, he responded by telling her not to interfere.

Shawcross was arrested on June 11 while working at Flamingo’s takeaway restaurant located on Station Road in Ainsdale. During police questioning, he chose to remain silent and did not make any comments regarding the allegations.

He pleaded guilty in court to two counts of sexual activity with a minor. His defense lawyer, Frank Dillon, highlighted Shawcross’s lack of prior convictions and described his client as a hardworking, honest, and caring individual. Dillon also noted that Shawcross had shown “inestimable courage” by admitting guilt, which spared the young girl from having to testify in court. The lawyer further explained that Shawcross’s childhood was marked by instability and unhappiness, especially during his school years, which contributed to his difficulties in social engagement. It was suggested that Shawcross might be suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome, which could explain his inability to fully understand others’ perspectives.

Judge John Phipps emphasized the importance of protecting young girls from predatory behavior. He stated that the law is designed to shield vulnerable minors and acknowledged that sometimes young girls need safeguarding from themselves. The judge also noted that both a psychologist and a probation officer, who interviewed Shawcross twice, concluded that he was not suitable for supervision within the community. As a result, Shawcross was sentenced to 21 months in a Young Offenders Institute and was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years.