August 2023 Thornaby paedophile sexually assaulted ‘frightened’ child during foot massage A pervert sexually abused a child whilst giving her a foot massage. Shaun Galloway has left the youngster suffering from ‘flashbacks and night terrors’. She “feels dirty all the time” and “shuts herself away in her bedroom”, Teesside Crown Court heard on Wednesday. The 35-year-old Thornaby man appeared at the Middlesbrough court for sentencing after admitting two charges of of sexual activity with a child. Summarising the case, Judge Howard Crowson said the abuse took place when the defendant was giving the youngster a foot massage. He said the girl was “frightened” when the man started touching her private parts and then pushed her foot against his groin. The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, reported the abuse and the defendant was arrested. The victim’s parent told the court: “Everything changed on that day. Since then [name of victim] has become withdrawn and isolated. “She finds it really difficult to talk now and only communicates via text messages occasionally. She shuts herself away in her bedroom and avoids contact with others. “[Name of victim] has been through a traumatic experience that has affected her mental health and wellbeing.” The court also heard that the victim has self-harmed and had thoughts of suicide. Sentencing, Judge Crowson said if the defendant was sent to prison he would not receive any of the support that the probation service is offering. He handed the Teesside man a two-year prison sentence suspended for 18-months. He must also complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours unpaid work. Galloway, of Harlow Crescent, Thornaby, must sign the sex offender’s register and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) for the next 10 years.