SHAUN RAWLINSON OF ABBOTS LANGLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE AND FILMING AT ST ALBANS CROWN COURT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Abbots Langley, Shaun Rawlinson, aged 41, was sentenced to seven years in prison after admitting to a series of heinous crimes involving a young boy. Rawlinson, who resides on Summerhouse Way in Abbots Langley, pleaded guilty to 20 counts of indecent assault on a child as well as the production of indecent photographs of a minor.

The victim, now a teenager, recounted that Rawlinson had given him alcohol and cannabis during the abuse. However, during the court proceedings, Rawlinson denied the allegations that he had supplied the boy with drugs or alcohol to facilitate the assaults. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the offences and the evidence presented.

Judge Marie Catterson, presiding over the case at St Albans Crown Court, addressed the court during a previous hearing, expressing her concern about the depravity of the acts committed. She noted that it was difficult to imagine how the young boy could have slept through some of the acts Rawlinson recorded himself performing, without being under the influence of some substance. The judge questioned whether the boy was induced into a deeper or even a comatose state, which could have justified a longer custodial sentence if proven. However, the prosecution was unable to establish that Rawlinson had administered drugs or alcohol to the victim to such an extent, leading to the charges being limited to the counts of assault and possession of indecent images.

During a police raid, authorities discovered video recordings depicting the victim being abused. The videos bore graphic titles related to the boy’s underwear, indicating the disturbing nature of the footage. These recordings played a crucial role in the case, providing concrete evidence of the abuse.

It was also revealed that Rawlinson had prior convictions for theft and possession of cannabis and ecstasy, dating back to between 1989 and 1996. These previous convictions, while unrelated to sexual offences, painted a picture of a man with a history of criminal behavior.

At the sentencing hearing, Rawlinson was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes. The court also determined that he would be eligible for release on licence after serving half of his sentence. Additionally, the 201 days he spent in remand will be counted towards his total time served. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Abbots Langley, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from such heinous acts.