WATERLOOVILLE PAEDOPHILE STEVEN SHAW SENTENCED IN 2014
In March 2014, Steven Shaw, a 39-year-old man from Waterlooville, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a minor.Shaw had met the boy, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, through Facebook and developed a relationship that included purchasing the boy a present.
Portsmouth Crown Court heard that there was an element of 'almost grooming' involved during their interactions.
The court was told that Shaw initially believed the boy to be 24 years old, as he had described himself on his Facebook profile.
However, by their second meeting, Shaw became aware that the teenager was under 16.
Shaw, of Deverell Place, Waterlooville, admitted to four counts of sexual activity with a child committed in 2012.
In defense, Stephen Smyth stated that the relationship was consensual, emphasizing that Shaw had come clean about the situation during police interviews.
Smyth explained, “Shaw has apologized for everything.” The defense also highlighted Shaw’s vulnerabilities, with Smyth noting that Shaw had been in a long-term relationship for about 14 years, appeared much younger than his actual age, and suffered from a dependent personality disorder.
Smyth argued that “Life has given him a particularly bad hand, which reduces his culpability.” Addressing Shaw in court, Judge Roger Hetherington commented, “There was an element of planning and almost grooming here in the sense that you provided alcohol for him and you provided at least one present at his request, and you realized that he was vulnerable.” Judge Hetherington acknowledged that Shaw made an immediate and full confession to police and expressed regret, although the pre-sentence report noted that Shaw tended to minimize his responsibility.
The judge also mentioned Shaw’s difficult upbringing.
Having no previous convictions, Shaw was ordered to register as a sex offender and was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which will remain in effect until further order.
