SHAUN RUDMAN OF LIDEN SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR YEARS OF ABUSE AND RAPE OF YOUNG GIRL

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Liden, Shaun Rudman, aged 43, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for a prolonged and disturbing pattern of sexual abuse and rape against a young girl. The abuse began when the victim was only six years old, and Rudman’s predatory behavior continued over several years, culminating in a series of heinous acts that left lasting scars.

The court heard that Rudman’s initial inappropriate contact with the girl occurred when she was just six, during a visit to his residence in Liden, where she was there to be looked after. The young girl later recounted that Rudman first attempted to assault her when she was seven, and he persisted in his attempts over the following years. The girl described how Rudman, who had a long history of violent crimes, continued to abuse her until she was 12 years old, when he finally succeeded in forcing himself upon her for the first time.

The abuse escalated over time, with the girl revealing that the last incident occurred shortly before Christmas in 2012, when she was 14. The victim, who had endured years of trauma, found the courage to confide in her mother through a letter posted on Facebook, where she detailed the horrific experiences she had suffered for nearly eight years. Her mother, Hannah Squire, urged her to report the abuse to the police, which she did.

According to the prosecution, Miss Squire told Swindon Crown Court that her daughter’s letter exposed the extent of the abuse, which had been ongoing since she was six. The girl recounted that Rudman first touched her improperly in front of the television at his house when she was just six years old. She also described how Rudman attempted to rape her when she was seven, trying for about 20 minutes before failing, and then attempting multiple times afterward. It was only when she was 12 that he succeeded in forcing himself on her.

The court was informed that Rudman’s criminal record was extensive, including convictions for grievous bodily harm, riot, robbery, burglary, and other violent offenses. However, none of these previous crimes were related to sexual offenses. Despite his history, Rudman pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape, and one count of sexual assault of a child under 13. He denied a separate charge of rape relating to the period when the girl was between six and eight years old, but the Crown announced they would not pursue a trial on that matter.

During the proceedings, the court heard that Rudman’s actions had a profound and lasting impact on the victim. The girl, overwhelmed by fear and trauma, had even attempted to take her own life by overdose, a tragic consequence of her suffering. The judge, Douglas Field, described the case as one of the most serious he had ever presided over. He emphasized the severity and frequency of the abuse, noting the profound psychological damage inflicted on the victim, which he said would likely affect her for the rest of her life.

Rudman’s defense attorney, Rob Ross, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that his client was aware of the long prison sentence he faced. He also highlighted Rudman’s difficult childhood, including experiences of physical and sexual abuse at a specialized school for maladjusted children, suggesting a possible link between his troubled past and his criminal behavior. The defense expressed hope that rehabilitation efforts during his incarceration could reduce the risk of re-offending.

Judge Douglas Field concluded the sentencing by condemning Rudman’s actions and recognizing the devastating impact on the victim. He stated, “This is one of the most serious cases that I have had to deal with. The sexual abuse progressed in its seriousness and its frequency. The effect this has had on her is momentous. The psychological damage you have done to her is very, very serious and will be lifelong and has to be reflected in the sentence that I intend to impose. All I can hope is that this sentencing exercise gives the victim some sense of closure and puts this behind her, but I stress I fear this will be with her for the rest of her life.”