SHANE TOWNSON, THE PERVERTED EX-SOLDIER FROM COLCHESTER AND HAYLE, JAILED FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Colchester and Hayle, Shane Townson, a man with a disturbing history of sexual misconduct, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for his heinous crimes against young girls. The court proceedings revealed a long history of abuse, spanning over several decades, with Townson’s actions leaving a lasting impact on his victims.

Townson, who once served as a Lance Corporal in the Royal Corps of Transport, was living in Colchester during the 1990s when he committed a series of indecent assaults on children. These offenses came to light after he had left military service and was facing civilian court charges. The court heard that he had admitted to four counts of indecent assault related to his time in Colchester, where he was known to some as the “Fat Controller,” a nickname given by one of his victims due to his disturbing behavior.

Further details emerged during the trial, which was held at Ipswich Crown Court. The court also functioned as a Court Martial, where Townson admitted to a series of six additional indecent assaults committed while he was stationed abroad in the 1980s. The evidence painted a picture of a man who, despite his actions, would often apologize to his victims after the assaults, yet continued his abusive conduct unabated.

One of the victims, who now resides in Hayle, Cornwall, described her ordeal and the lasting trauma it caused her. She referred to Townson as a “twisted, vile monster” and recounted how she would mentally refer to him as the “Fat Controller” to cope with her feelings. In her statement, she revealed that she had prayed desperately for the abuse to stop and described herself as feeling like an “empty shell,” merely going through the motions of everyday life.

Another victim, also from the Hayle area, expressed her ongoing distress, stating that Townson’s actions made her feel helpless and that she still experiences sickness when she thinks about the abuse. She described the profound psychological damage inflicted upon her and emphasized that Townson’s behavior had left her with deep emotional scars that persist to this day.

During the court proceedings, it was noted that Townson had been candid about his offending when questioned by police, openly admitting to his past crimes. His honesty did little to mitigate the severity of his sentence. Judge Emma Peters, presiding over the case, sentenced Townson to a total of ten years in prison. In her remarks, she highlighted the manipulative nature of his actions, noting that his apologies, while perhaps an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, did not undo the harm caused.

Judge Peters emphasized the lasting impact of Townson’s crimes, stating, “You caused these women significant psychological harm. Their lives have been blighted for decades after what you did to them. You have now got a number of years to reflect on your actions.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims who have endured such trauma over many years.