RYAN SHUMAN FROM LEWISHAM CAUGHT IN SHOCKING POLICE STING AT ASHFORD DESIGNER OUTLET

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Ryan Shuman, a man with a troubling criminal history, was recently convicted and sentenced for heinous crimes involving the attempted exploitation of children. The incident unfolded at the Ashford Designer Outlet, a popular shopping destination in Ashford, Kent, where Shuman had arranged to meet a woman he believed was the mother of two young children, aged seven and nine, with the intent of engaging in sexual acts with her children.

Unbeknownst to Shuman, the woman he was communicating with was an undercover police officer operating online under the alias 'Rebecca.' The police had set up the sting to catch individuals attempting to commit child sexual offenses. The exchanges between Shuman and the officer included explicit discussions about his sexual interest in the fictitious children, with Shuman openly expressing his attraction to their innocence. He also conveyed his willingness to engage in sexual acts with the children, indicating a disturbing level of intent.

The court heard that Shuman, aged 41 and residing on Stanstead Road in Lewisham, had been in contact with the undercover officer through emails and text messages. During these communications, he revealed that he was prepared to have sex with the children and perform other sexual acts, citing his attraction to their innocence as a motivating factor. The police arrested Shuman after he met 'Rebecca' at the McArthurGlen shopping centre on Kimberley Way in Ashford in September. The meeting was part of the police operation designed to apprehend him before any harm could be inflicted.

Prosecutor Bridget Todd outlined the gravity of the case, stating that Shuman had expressed a willingness to commit sexual offenses against children. She emphasized that he was prepared to act on his intentions that day, which included not only sexual acts but also other forms of abuse. The court was informed that Shuman has a prior criminal record, including convictions for indecent assault, gross indecency with a child, and possession of indecent images, highlighting a pattern of disturbing behavior.

In sentencing, Recorder Mark van der Zwart described Shuman as a significant danger to the public, particularly to children. He imposed an extended sentence, which requires Shuman to serve at least two-thirds of a five-year and four-month prison term before being eligible for parole. Once released, he will be subject to a further four years on license. The judge remarked on Shuman's longstanding difficulty in controlling his sexual urges and his history of sexual offenses spanning many years. He expressed concern that if the woman and children had been real, Shuman would have committed a further serious offense, including rape.

Additionally, Shuman was ordered to comply with a sexual harm prevention order related to his internet use and was mandated to sign the sex offenders’ register for life. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable children from predatory individuals like Shuman, whose criminal behavior has been documented over many years, including a previous conviction for downloading child abuse images shortly after his release from a 16-year incarceration in a secure mental health facility in 2009.