Febuary 2009 Sex offender brought back from Canada gets 8 years A Preston man who was extradited from Canada to face sex charges in Lancashire has been jailed for eight years. Philip Shropshall, 50, formerly of Manor Road, Preston, appeared at Preston Crown Court for sentencing after admitting 15 charges – three of unlawful sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 13 and 12 of indecently assaulting a child under the age of 16 during a four-year period from 1995 to 1999. Shropshall was arrested by Essex Police in Southend on Sea in 2000 after Lancashire police receive allegations of abuse against a young girl. Officers travelled to Essex to interview the defendant and he was subsequently charged with 18 sexual offences. Shropshall was bailed and due to appear at Preston Crown Court for trial on February 26 2001 however he failed to appear and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Enquiries established Shropshall had previously lived in Toronto, Canada, and still had family there. Police in Canada had already circulated his details as wanted for motoring and fraud offences.  In 2007, Lancashire police was made aware that Shropshall had been located in Canada and was being dealt with by the authorities for their outstanding offences. Together with the Home Office and the Crown Prosecution Service, Lancashire Constabulary began extradition proceedings. Shropshall was arrested in Canada in January 2008 and remanded in custody. Officers from Lancashire travelled to Canada in August last year to collect Shropshall and bring him back to the UK to face court proceedings. Shropshall later pleaded guilty to 15 of the charges laid against him. Now he is starting an eight year sentence and has been ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register. He is also banned for life from working with children.  Detective Constable Simon Morris, who led the investigation, said: “I am extremely happy with the sentence passed today to this dangerous individual. I hope it sends out a clear message to offenders who think they can run away and escape justice – you will be caught and brought before the courts for punishment. “I also hope that this case gives hope to victims who believe that they will not be listened to and that this encourages them to come forward and make their complaint, however long ago the offences took place. “The victim in this case has shown immense bravery in coming forward and thankfully has avoided having to relive her ordeal while giving evidence in court.  “I hope this sentence will be of some comfort to the victim and will allow her to move forward with her life.”