WILLIAM SHATTELL SENTENCED FOR ABUSE IN CROYDON AND KENT

In a landmark case that brought justice after years of suffering, William Shattell, aged 55, was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison at the Old Bailey for heinous crimes committed against children in Croydon and Kent. The court heard how Shattell, a resident of Kent at the time of sentencing, had inflicted unimaginable abuse on a young girl and her younger brother during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

According to court records, the abuse against the girl began shortly after her tenth birthday in 1977. Shattell, who was living in Croydon at the time, subjected her to a prolonged period of sexual assault, which spanned over six years. The young girl was forced to wear her school gym kit and suspenders during the assaults, a detail that underscored the disturbing nature of the abuse. The trauma inflicted on her was severe and long-lasting, leaving scars that would take years to heal.

In addition to the abuse of the girl, Shattell also targeted her younger brother. His cruelty extended beyond physical violence; he would scream insults at the boy and beat him daily, creating an environment of fear and intimidation within their home. Shattell’s bizarre behavior included ringing a large brass bell to act as a referee in staged fights between the siblings, forcing them to physically assault each other under his watchful eye. This disturbing practice was part of his pattern of cruelty and control.

Shattell’s criminal activities came to light after a lengthy investigation, culminating in his conviction last month on multiple charges. These included gross indecency, three counts of rape, and two counts of child cruelty, with offenses dating from January 1975 to December 1983. The court heard detailed accounts of his repeated violations and the profound impact on his victims.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Giles Forrester condemned Shattell’s actions, describing them as an “appalling breach of trust” that occurred repeatedly over the years. The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes and the betrayal involved, given the vulnerable age of the victims. Shattell showed no visible emotion as he was handed a sentence of 12 years for the rapes, along with an additional two years each for gross indecency and child cruelty, all to be served concurrently. The court’s decision marked a significant step in delivering justice for the victims and highlighting the importance of protecting children from such predatory behavior.