PAUL SHIELDS SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL FOR MULTIPLE SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN
A convicted paedophile who refused to admit to his crimes, thereby forcing his victims to go through a trial, was today surprised when a judge announced his sentence.Paul Shields, 45, of Beechwood Drive, Formby, was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court of 22 sexual offences involving two female victims.
The offences occurred between 2006 and 2011.
Twenty of these offences, which included attempted rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity, involved one girl and spanned several years.
The other two offences—sexual assault and causing a child to engage in sexual activity—concerned the second victim.
Shields had threatened both girls to keep silent about the abuse, but in 2018, they finally disclosed their experiences, leading to the police investigation.
Shields was sentenced to 21 years in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
During the hearing, Gerard Doran, Shields’ defense solicitor, remarked, "No doubt he will have a very long time to contemplate these matters.
No doubt there will come a time when he can take advantage of services available to him in custody.
I hope that will pay dividends and he will be permitted to return to society." The judge, Judge Robert Trevor-Jones, described Shields as a danger to children with respect to serious sexual harm.
He told Shields, "You still maintain your innocence still.
You completely refuse to admit what you have done." The judge emphasized that Shields’ denials forced the victims to testify before a jury, which he noted was a traumatic ordeal.
He highlighted the severe psychological harm inflicted on the victims, saying, "Both victims refer to the devastating impact on their lives—they talk of the daily impact and the effect on their mental health.
They have difficulty trusting people and forming relationships.
Quite clearly, it amounts to severe psychological harm.
Their feeling is you have destroyed their lives and caused enduring trauma." At the conclusion of the sentencing, Shields, who appeared visibly shocked by the length of his sentence, was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Detective Inspector Michelle Wilson commented, "This is a significant custodial sentence that reflects the gravity of the offences committed by Paul Shields.
I am pleased that he will now spend a considerable period behind bars for his actions." She praised the courage and dignity of the victims throughout the investigation, stating, "I would like to commend both victims for their bravery.
Their testimony, despite being forced to give evidence in court, has been instrumental.
I hope the severity of today’s sentence allows them to begin to move forward, knowing Shields is incarcerated and cannot harm anyone else." Wilson reaffirmed Merseyside Police’s dedication to protecting victims of sexual offences, saying, "We understand how difficult it can be for individuals to come forward, but I want to reassure anyone reporting such incidents that they will be supported and safeguarded.
Our team is committed to handling every report with compassion and professionalism, and we will do everything possible to ensure offenders are brought to justice."
