SHANE HESELTINE FROM FOLKESTONE JAILED FOR REPEATEDLY RAPING CHILD IN KENT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Folkestone and the wider Kent area, Shane Heseltine, aged 27, has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of repeatedly assaulting a young girl. The heinous crimes took place approximately 14 years ago when Heseltine was just 13 years old, and the victim was a child under the age of 13.

Heseltine, a former pupil of Dover Grammar School, was convicted of a series of sexual offenses that involved a campaign of manipulation, coercion, and control over his young victim. The court heard that the assaults occurred over a span of two months, during which Heseltine launched between four and five separate attacks on the girl, who was defenseless and unable to comprehend the full extent of what was happening to her.

The sentencing took place at Canterbury Crown Court, where Heseltine was handed a prison term of 29 months. This sentence reflects a significant reduction, as Heseltine would have faced a much longer term if he had been sentenced as an adult. The court also imposed notification requirements that will be in effect for five years following his release, requiring him to register and adhere to certain restrictions due to the nature of his crimes.

Prior to sentencing, Heseltine’s case was adjourned earlier in the year to allow for psychiatric evaluations. During these assessments, psychiatrists challenged his self-diagnosis, describing it as a form of self-distraction. They characterized Heseltine as an “opportunistic sex offender,” and expressed concerns about his mental state and attitude as an adult. The court was particularly troubled by the victim-blaming and self-justification evident in Heseltine’s reports, which indicated a troubling lack of remorse and understanding.

Judge Mark Weekes acknowledged Heseltine’s “deeply troubled childhood,” but expressed serious concern over his attitude and lack of insight. He emphasized that Heseltine’s behavior was directed towards a young girl who could not possibly have understood or consented to what was happening. The judge stated, “I am concerned to see elements of victim blaming and self-justification within the pre-sentence report, and to note that even as a fully grown adult, you seem unable fully to appreciate the fact that your sexual behaviour was directed towards a young girl who could not possibly have understood or appreciated what was going on.”

Heseltine, who was visibly breathing heavily throughout the court proceedings, pleaded guilty to two counts of raping a girl under 13 and assaulting a girl under 13. His actions have left a lasting scar on the victim and have raised serious concerns about safeguarding and child protection in the Folkestone community. The court’s decision underscores the importance of holding offenders accountable and protecting vulnerable children from predatory behavior.