MICHAEL SHAW SENTENCED IN ORMSKIRK FOR BREAKING AND INAPPROPRIATE ACTS INVOLVING WOMEN
A man from Ormskirk, Michael Shaw, 30, was convicted of breaking into a home where two women were sleeping and engaging in a disturbing conduct.The incident occurred in February when Shaw forced entry through a bathroom window, entered the house, and remained there for approximately 20 minutes.
He was discovered early in the morning when one of the women awoke and noticed a figure crouched in the bathroom with his pants down and genitals exposed.
The women initially thought they saw a reflection in the bathroom mirror in the near darkness, but when they looked closer, they realized it was Shaw moving.
Prosecutor Keith Sutton explained to Preston Crown Court that around 1:20 am, one woman was awake watching a film while the other was asleep.
The awake woman heard noises, which she initially thought came from the roof or elsewhere in the house.
She went onto the landing and heard sounds, prompting her to wake the other woman.
The first woman then saw a reflection in the bathroom mirror through the door, which appeared to be moving.
After the second woman joined her, the first saw Shaw in the bathroom with his trousers down.
Shaw responded to the women’s questions about his presence by apologizing and attempting to sit on the toilet.
He was then asked to leave and sat on the stairs to put his shoes back on, which he did after being instructed to do so.
The women then called the police, and they observed Shaw outside the property performing a sex act.
He subsequently returned to temporary accommodation, and police matched his clothing to what he was wearing that night.
When arrested, Shaw provided a confused account.
A victim impact statement revealed significant emotional distress: one woman stated she has been left anxious, unable to sleep without medication, suffering from night terrors, and feeling unsafe in her home because of the intrusion.
She expressed ongoing fear of Covid-19, as her home had been isolated for nearly a year, and resentment over the violation of her personal safety.
Shaw had a previous conviction for possessing a knife, which resulted in a three-month suspended sentence in May of the previous year.
In April, Shaw admitted to two counts of exposure and one of trespassing with the intent to commit a sexual offence.
During sentencing, defense lawyer Michael Hagarty argued Shaw's actions stemmed from childhood trauma worsened by substance abuse—specifically alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine—and recent instability after being forced to leave his home due to flooding.
The court heard that Shaw had exhibited erratic behavior in the months prior, including incidents that led to his detention for his own well-being.
Psychological assessments indicated he struggled with childhood trauma, emotionally unstable personality disorder, and difficulties controlling his actions, compounded by being unable to see his children.
Mr.
Hagarty expressed that Shaw was confused about his conduct and felt remorse for his victims.
Judge Ben Douglas-Jones QC described Shaw's behaviour as frightening, disturbing, and offensive.
He remarked, “Just imagine how frightening that must have been.
It’s like something from a horror movie.” Shaw was sentenced to 30 months in prison, ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, and placed under a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
