SHAUNI BALDERSTONE FROM PADIHAM ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEX WITH 13-YEAR-OLD BOY IN BURNLEY

In December 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving a mother from Padiham who was involved in a serious criminal matter concerning her inappropriate relationship with a minor. Shauni Balderstone, then aged 20, was found to have engaged in sexual activity with a 13-year-old boy, an incident that took place at her residence in Padiham, Burnley. The case was brought before Burnley Crown Court, where prosecutors detailed the troubling circumstances surrounding the case.

According to court reports, the boy’s parents became increasingly concerned when they noticed a decline in their son’s academic performance and overall well-being. Their suspicions led them to investigate further, and upon checking the boy’s mobile phone, they discovered a series of alarming messages and images. These included photographs of the boy with a woman, as well as sexually explicit Facebook messages and text exchanges that suggested a grooming process was underway. The discovery prompted the boy’s father to contact the police, initiating an investigation into the matter.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Balderstone, who resided on Bowness Road in Padiham, had engaged in sexual intercourse with the young boy at her home. Despite her initial claims that their encounters only happened once, the boy later told police that they had been intimate on at least four separate occasions. The court was also informed that the relationship began the day before the boy’s 14th birthday, raising serious concerns about the exploitation of a minor.

Balderstone’s actions led to her being charged with sexual activity with a child. She admitted to the charge, but her sentencing was notably lenient given the gravity of her actions. The judge, Judge Gibson, sentenced her to five months in prison, suspended for a period of time. Additionally, she was placed under a five-year sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits her from having contact with boys aged 11 to 15. The court also mandated that she complete 40 days of rehabilitation activities and that she register as a sex offender for the next seven years.

During the sentencing, Judge Gibson emphasized the responsibility Balderstone bore, stating, “You knew his age and must bear the responsibility for what happened. You were the adult and he was a young boy. If you had taken the time to think about it, you would have known what you were doing was wrong.” The court’s decision reflected the serious nature of the offense, but also considered her circumstances, including the fact that she had given birth to her second child earlier that year. The case highlights the ongoing issues of grooming and exploitation of minors, and the importance of vigilance by parents and authorities alike.