NATHAN SHRUBSOLE'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN DOVER: CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND ONLINE PREDATION REVEALED

In August 2012, Nathan Shrubsole, a 27-year-old resident of London Road, Dover, was sentenced to a significant prison term after being found guilty of possessing indecent images of children and engaging in online activities that posed a serious threat to minors.

Shrubsole's criminal conduct was uncovered following a detailed investigation into his internet usage and online searches. Authorities revealed that he had actively searched for terms such as "baby rape" and "finding children to be raped in Dover," indicating a disturbing preoccupation with child exploitation. His online activity also included searches for babysitting opportunities, which raised further concerns about his intentions and potential access to vulnerable children.

During the court proceedings at Canterbury Crown Court, Shrubsole admitted to five counts of possessing indecent images of children. These images ranged from the least to the most severe categories, depicting children aged between 10 and 14 years old. The court was also informed that Shrubsole had been found in possession of business cards advertising himself as available for sex, along with details of the hostel where he was residing at the time.

Judge Adele Williams delivered a stern sentence, condemning Shrubsole to five years in prison. The judge specified that Shrubsole would serve the initial 32 months behind bars, with the remainder of his sentence to be served on licence. The court emphasized that the examination of Shrubsole’s laptop revealed he had been active on various social networking sites under different aliases, further demonstrating his attempts to conceal his activities. The judge highlighted that the indecent images he downloaded included children as young as 10 and 14 years old, underscoring the seriousness of his offenses.

Judge Williams also pointed out the disturbing nature of Shrubsole’s online searches, which included terms like "baby rape," "five-year-olds," "10-year-olds," and phrases such as "finding children to be raped in Dover." These searches, coupled with his attempts to find babysitting jobs, painted a clear picture of his predatory mindset.

It was also revealed that Shrubsole had a prior conviction from 2009 for engaging in sexual activity with a child. He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to a three-year community order and was required to undergo sex offender treatment. The court further disclosed that Shrubsole had once run away to Gretna Green with a 15-year-old girl, with the apparent intention of marrying her.

Judge Williams expressed her concern over Shrubsole’s ongoing risk to children, citing his below-average IQ and emotionally unstable personality as factors that exacerbated his dangerousness. She acknowledged that he had made some progress but emphasized that his recent offenses represented an escalation in his criminal behavior. The judge urged Shrubsole to seek help for his issues, recognizing the importance of addressing his underlying problems.

In addition to his prison sentence, Shrubsole was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order, aimed at restricting his future activities and monitoring his behavior to protect the community.

Earlier in the year, on February 16, 2012, Shrubsole appeared before Folkestone Magistrates Court on charges related to online misconduct. It was alleged that he had used false identities on the internet, including aliases such as Nathan Gilmore, Nath Gilmore, and Grace Gilmore, to conceal his true identity while engaging in illegal activities. The court heard that he was in possession of images of children on his computer and had made attempts to access child sex sites.

He faced five charges of creating indecent photographs of children in Dover between September 4, 2009, and August 17, 2011, with one of these being classified at the most serious level, level 5. Additionally, Shrubsole was charged with failing to comply with the Sexual Offences Act by using aliases on Facebook and possessing business cards with false names. He was also found in possession of amphetamine, a class B drug.

The police investigation revealed that Shrubsole’s computer searches included terms related to child exploitation and locating young children for sexual purposes. His internet activity also involved looking for babysitting jobs within the Dover area, raising suspicions about his intentions.

He was committed for trial at Canterbury Crown Court and was released on bail under strict conditions, including residence restrictions, a curfew monitored by an electronic tag, and a prohibition on computer use unless supervised. His next court appearance was scheduled for March 12, where he would enter a plea and receive further directions regarding his case.