FORMER LANDLORD OF WAKEFIELD'S SNOOTY FOX PUB JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE
A man from Wakefield has been sentenced to more than six years in prison after being convicted of historic child sexual offences committed against two victims.Malcolm Shipman, aged 64 and of no fixed address in Wakefield, appeared before Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday, 13 September, for sentencing following a prior conviction at an earlier hearing.
Shipman, who previously managed the Snooty Fox pub in Wakefield, was found guilty of four counts of indecency with a child.
The offences took place over a period spanning from 1988 to 1997, highlighting a disturbing pattern of abuse that occurred over nearly a decade.
The court sentenced Shipman to a term of six years and five months in prison.
Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register, a measure intended to monitor his activities and prevent further harm.
Detective Inspector Paul Oldham, representing Wakefield District Crime Safeguarding, expressed his support for the sentence.
He emphasised the importance of the victims' bravery in coming forward, stating, "The investigating officers and I welcome this sentence today.
The bravery shown by the victims to report this man for the truly horrendous offences carried out against them as children, must be recognised and not underestimated." Inspector Oldham further noted that the victims’ courage had been instrumental in securing Shipman’s conviction, thereby helping to protect potential future victims.
He reassured the public that the police have specially trained officers ready to handle such sensitive cases with compassion and dedication.
He encouraged anyone with information or who has suffered similar abuse to contact authorities either online or by calling 101, with emergency situations requiring a call to 999.
Additional resources and information about reporting sexual offences and accessing support services are available on the West Yorkshire Police website, including details about the Serious Sexual Assaults Campaign.
Following the sentencing, the victims issued a statement expressing relief and the significance of finally having their voices heard.
They said, "We are now adults, but we were those two little girls who we feel have finally been given a voice and have got justice for the horrible childhood we had to endure." They revealed that they had kept silent for years, hoping to move on with their lives, but the pain of their past remained.
Their decision to come forward was driven by a desire to prevent Shipman from harming others and to seek justice for the abuse they endured.
The victims acknowledged the emotional toll of the trial but emphasised the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
They urged others who have experienced similar abuse to find the strength to speak out, warning that silence can keep victims prisoners long after the abuse has ended.
Their message was clear: justice may take time, but it is ultimately achievable, and no one should suffer in silence.
