SHANE PERCIVAL FROM NORWICH SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN NORWICH
In a serious case that has shocked the Norwich community, Shane Percival, a 27-year-old soldier, was convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young girl under the age of 13.The incident took place over a period spanning from December 2011 to August 2013, a time when Percival was between 16 and 18 years old, and the victim was between nine and ten years old.
Percival, who served as a lance corporal with the Royal Anglian Regiment, appeared before Norwich Crown Court to face the charges after a detailed trial held in March of this year.
The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of the offences, which occurred while Percival was stationed at Woolwich Barracks and during his deployment in Cyprus.
The gravity of the case was underscored by the victim’s emotional testimony, which she delivered in court before the sentencing.
She recounted her long-held secret, revealing that she was only 15 when she finally confided in her teacher about what Percival had done to her.
Her words reflected the profound impact of the abuse, stating, “I was 15 when I told my teacher what Shane did to me.
My whole world fell apart.
I had kept this hidden since I was a little girl.
I did this because it would break my family’s hearts and it did.” The victim also shared the devastating toll the abuse took on her mental health, describing how she struggled with depression, turned to self-harm, and even made attempts to end her life.
Despite these dark moments, she expressed a sense of resilience, saying, “Luckily my attempts were unsuccessful.
I didn’t want to live but I’m now stronger than ever.” Her courage in speaking out was acknowledged by her family and the court, with her mother’s statement read aloud by prosecutor Duncan O’Donnell, who expressed pride in her strength and resilience.
The court heard that the psychological scars inflicted by Percival’s actions were substantial, with the victim impact statements emphasizing the long-lasting harm caused by the offences.
Judge Alice Robinson, in her sentencing remarks, acknowledged the profound psychological damage suffered by the victim, which she described as “undoubtedly” linked to the crimes.
As a result of his conviction, Shane Percival was sentenced to a term of five years and two months in prison.
Additionally, the judge imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for six years, aimed at restricting Percival’s contact with the victim and preventing any further harm.
He was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, a measure that underscores the seriousness of his crimes.
Furthermore, Percival was banned from contacting the victim directly or indirectly for a period of six years, ensuring her safety and peace of mind moving forward.
This case highlights the ongoing issues of child sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims, especially those who have endured such traumatic experiences at the hands of individuals they trusted.
The community in Norwich is left to grapple with the aftermath of this disturbing case, while authorities continue to emphasize the importance of protecting vulnerable children from harm.
