ANDREW SHELDON FROM BUCKLEY AND CONNAH'S QUAY JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In April 2012, a disturbing case emerged involving Andrew Sheldon, a man with ties to both Buckley and Connah's Quay, who was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a young girl aged just 14. The incident took place in North Wales, specifically in the towns of Buckley and Connah's Quay, highlighting a grave breach of trust and the exploitation of a minor.

Andrew Sheldon, aged 44 at the time, was an ambulance mechanic, although it was clarified that he was not directly employed by the North Wales Ambulance Service but was contracted to perform certain duties. His criminal actions came to light after a series of disturbing events that unfolded over a period of approximately two months. Sheldon first engaged in inappropriate conversations with the girl, which quickly escalated to sending her text messages filled with flirtatious and amorous comments. The young girl, who was only 13 and 14 years old during this period, became infatuated with Sheldon, unaware of the full extent of his intentions.

According to court proceedings, Sheldon took advantage of her infatuation, progressing from kissing and touching to engaging in full sexual intercourse. The incidents reportedly occurred in various locations, including his works van parked in secluded country lanes near Sychdyn and in the upstairs area of Knighton ambulance station. The first sexual encounter was said to have taken place in the ambulance station, with subsequent acts occurring in the van near Flint Castle.

Judge Niclas Parry, presiding over the case at Mold Crown Court, addressed Sheldon directly, emphasizing the severity of his actions. The judge stated that Sheldon had repeatedly sexually abused the girl during the two-month period, knowing full well that his conduct was profoundly wrong. Despite this awareness, Sheldon continued his behavior solely for his own sexual gratification, showing a blatant disregard for the harm caused.

Sheldon’s actions were further detailed through a video interview with the victim, where she recounted the nature of their encounters, including fondling and sexual activity. The court also heard that Sheldon had exchanged incriminating texts and Facebook messages, which contributed to his eventual arrest and prosecution.

During the trial, Sheldon initially denied all charges, facing seven counts of sexual touching. However, in February, he changed his plea and admitted to six charges of sexual activity with a child, three of which involved sexual intercourse, along with a charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. His guilty plea was considered a significant factor in the sentencing.

Prosecutor Kim Halsall revealed that Sheldon’s wife suspected infidelity and eventually asked him to leave their home. Further investigations uncovered incriminating messages, leading to confrontations with both his wife and the girl’s mother. Despite the evidence, Sheldon initially denied any sexual misconduct during police interviews.

As a result of his conviction, Sheldon was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender for life and imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which restricts him from being alone with young girls in any house or vehicle. These measures aim to prevent any future harm and protect other minors from potential exploitation.

In mitigation, Sheldon’s defense argued that this case was not a typical grooming scenario by an older man. They claimed that a consensual relationship had developed, although the girl was legally too young to give consent. The defense also emphasized that Sheldon was not a sexual predator, asserting that he was contracted to perform work and no longer maintains contact with the ambulance service.

Overall, the case highlights the serious consequences of exploiting minors and underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young individuals from predatory behavior in the community of North Wales.