SHAFESBURY MAN ANDREW SAVIN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF VULNERABLE GIRLS IN SHAFESBURY
| Red Rose Database
Shaftesbury Rapist
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Shaftesbury, Andrew Savin, a 46-year-old man residing on Sweetmans Road, was handed a prison sentence of four and a half years after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to the grooming and sexual abuse of two young girls. The offences, which spanned over two years in 2004 and 2005, included 13 counts of indecent assault and five counts of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13.
During the proceedings at Dorchester Crown Court, it was revealed that Savin initially engaged in seemingly innocent activities such as massaging the girls. However, these acts gradually escalated as he began to push the boundaries of appropriate conduct, eventually involving sexual activity. The court heard that Savin exploited a relaxed environment, allowing the victims to drink and smoke, which helped him gain their trust and confidence. Prosecutor Ian Fenny described the victims as "young, vulnerable inexperienced girls," emphasizing the predatory nature of Savin’s actions.
Fenny explained that Savin’s approach was calculated and subtle, starting with gentle massages designed to provide physical pleasure, which served as a form of grooming. This grooming process was described as a deliberate attempt to create a sense of comfort and trust, making it easier for Savin to carry out his abusive acts.
In his defense, lawyer Robert Grey highlighted that Savin’s early guilty pleas had spared the victims from the ordeal of giving evidence in court. Grey also stated that Savin was "totally ashamed and disgusted with himself and with his behaviour." It was noted that Savin had no prior history of sexual offenses, and he had served in the Royal Air Force for five years before working for 24 years at a local business in Shaftesbury.
Further details revealed that Savin’s actions were influenced by feelings of loneliness following a breakup, which appeared to have contributed to his misconduct. The judge, His Honour Judge John Harrow, condemned Savin’s grooming tactics, stating, "You sought to gain their trust grooming them so that you could initiate various kinds of sexual activity for your own gratification." The judge also warned that the victims are likely to suffer long-term psychological effects from his actions, emphasizing the gravity of the case.
Since November 29, Savin had been remanded in custody. As part of his sentence, he was disqualified from working with children and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order. This order prohibits him from having a personal computer with internet access and restricts other activities that could put children at risk. The community and authorities hope that these measures will prevent any further harm and serve as a reminder of the serious consequences of such criminal behavior.
During the proceedings at Dorchester Crown Court, it was revealed that Savin initially engaged in seemingly innocent activities such as massaging the girls. However, these acts gradually escalated as he began to push the boundaries of appropriate conduct, eventually involving sexual activity. The court heard that Savin exploited a relaxed environment, allowing the victims to drink and smoke, which helped him gain their trust and confidence. Prosecutor Ian Fenny described the victims as "young, vulnerable inexperienced girls," emphasizing the predatory nature of Savin’s actions.
Fenny explained that Savin’s approach was calculated and subtle, starting with gentle massages designed to provide physical pleasure, which served as a form of grooming. This grooming process was described as a deliberate attempt to create a sense of comfort and trust, making it easier for Savin to carry out his abusive acts.
In his defense, lawyer Robert Grey highlighted that Savin’s early guilty pleas had spared the victims from the ordeal of giving evidence in court. Grey also stated that Savin was "totally ashamed and disgusted with himself and with his behaviour." It was noted that Savin had no prior history of sexual offenses, and he had served in the Royal Air Force for five years before working for 24 years at a local business in Shaftesbury.
Further details revealed that Savin’s actions were influenced by feelings of loneliness following a breakup, which appeared to have contributed to his misconduct. The judge, His Honour Judge John Harrow, condemned Savin’s grooming tactics, stating, "You sought to gain their trust grooming them so that you could initiate various kinds of sexual activity for your own gratification." The judge also warned that the victims are likely to suffer long-term psychological effects from his actions, emphasizing the gravity of the case.
Since November 29, Savin had been remanded in custody. As part of his sentence, he was disqualified from working with children and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order. This order prohibits him from having a personal computer with internet access and restricts other activities that could put children at risk. The community and authorities hope that these measures will prevent any further harm and serve as a reminder of the serious consequences of such criminal behavior.