SHELDON WARD FROM CHESTER SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN CHESTER

In June 2017, Sheldon Ward, a man with ties to Chester, was reported to have returned to the Chester area after serving time for previous offenses. His criminal history and recent activities have kept him in the public eye, especially following a serious conviction that resulted in a lengthy prison sentence.

Back in March 2013, Sheldon Ward was convicted of a heinous crime that shocked the local community. The Chester man was sentenced to nine years behind bars for the brutal rape of a woman. The incident took place in her own home, where she was subjected to a violent assault that left her battered and bruised.

The victim, a mother of two, was at her residence in Blacon, Chester, enjoying a casual evening with a friend. The night took a dark turn when Sheldon Ward, aged 27 and residing on Durham Road in Chester, forced himself upon her while she was heavily intoxicated. She had consumed four or five bottles of wine during the evening, which impaired her ability to resist.

According to court reports, the assault occurred on August 25 of the previous year. The woman, overwhelmed by fear and trauma, initially hesitated to report the incident to the police. She was left with visible injuries, including bruises, but the shock and fear caused her to withdraw her initial statement. It was only after some time that she decided to come forward and give her account.

During the court proceedings, the victim appeared behind a screen, visibly emotional and crying as she recounted the assault. She described how she repeatedly shouted ‘No’ during the attack but was too intoxicated to effectively resist. She explained that she was unable to remember the events clearly the next morning, only recalling trying to push Ward off her while he held her in a ‘bear-like grip’ and declared that he ‘loved her’.

The woman expressed her understanding of what had happened, stating, “To me rape was someone getting thrown in a bush and getting raped by a stranger. But I said no at least three times and he still carried on.” She further added, “I have had time to think about it and I know it was rape. I do not know if he has done this before, but if I don’t stop him from doing it to someone else, it could be worse.”

She also shared the profound emotional impact the assault had on her. She described feeling as if she was drowning inside, despite having to maintain a happy facade for her children who were sleeping upstairs during the attack. Her words reflected the deep trauma she endured, saying, “All I wanted to do was drown or jump off a cliff because I still had to be a happy mummy but inside I was just drowning.”

Following her decision to pursue justice, she was moved into protective custody. Her determination to see the case through was driven by a sense of moral obligation and the desire to prevent Ward from harming others.

Sheldon Ward’s trial concluded with a sentence of nine years in prison for the rape of a woman over 16. Additionally, he received a one-year sentence for an affray charge, which he had previously admitted. These sentences are to run concurrently. The court also imposed a lifelong ban on Ward working with children and ordered him to register as a sex offender, ensuring he remains under supervision and scrutiny for the foreseeable future.