CLIVE SHORTO FROM HAYDON WICK SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN SWINDON
| Red Rose Database
Haydon Wick Rapist
In a harrowing case that has shocked the local community, Clive Shorto, a 52-year-old man from Haydon Wick, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 11 years after being convicted of repeatedly abusing a young girl over a period of four years. The abuse began when the girl was only eight years old, and the details of the case revealed a disturbing pattern of grooming and exploitation.
Prosecutor Rosie Collins outlined to Swindon Crown Court how Shorto systematically targeted the girl, who was the daughter of a family friend. The abuse started in his own home, where he initially molested her, and then escalated to taking her out for rides in his car. During these outings, he would take her to Blunsdon Market, which was deserted when closed, and commit acts of rape. After each assault, he would give her money, further manipulating her into silence.
The court heard that Shorto’s predatory behavior extended beyond his own home. He would force his way into the girl’s residence when her family was away, continuing the abuse in her own environment. The young girl, who has learning difficulties and was too frightened to report the abuse at the time, repeatedly tried to escape but was physically dragged back by Shorto. It was only after she found the courage to disclose her ordeal that she was taken for a medical examination, which confirmed injuries consistent with her account.
When police arrived to arrest Shorto, he responded with remorse, saying, “I’m sorry, I did it, I’ll learn from my mistakes,” and added, “It’s sick: I’m one of them now.” During police questioning, he initially admitted to the abuse but later denied it, claiming that the girl had tried to persuade him to engage in sexual acts, which he resisted.
The impact of the abuse has left deep scars on the victim, now aged 14. She suffers from nightmares, flashbacks, and suicidal thoughts, highlighting the long-lasting psychological damage inflicted upon her.
Shorto pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape spanning from early 2008 to mid-May of the previous year. His defense lawyer, Rob Ross, highlighted that Shorto also suffers from learning difficulties, which impair his understanding and behavior. Ross acknowledged that his client was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions and anticipated a significant custodial sentence. He emphasized the importance of rehabilitation both during incarceration and after release.
Judge Douglas Field delivered a stern sentence, condemning Shorto’s actions as profoundly serious. The judge stated, “Over a period of some four years, at least, you subjected her to rape. You were paying her sums of money and, in the limited way that was open to you, in a way of your abilities, you were grooming her to some extent. You were using her to satisfy your perverted sexual appetite.”
The judge further emphasized the lasting harm caused, noting that the psychological trauma inflicted on the girl could persist for the rest of her life. He acknowledged the increasing importance the courts place on the psychological well-being of victims, especially minors, in sex offense cases. As part of his sentence, Shorto was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and to comply with a sexual offences prevention order upon his release from prison.
Prosecutor Rosie Collins outlined to Swindon Crown Court how Shorto systematically targeted the girl, who was the daughter of a family friend. The abuse started in his own home, where he initially molested her, and then escalated to taking her out for rides in his car. During these outings, he would take her to Blunsdon Market, which was deserted when closed, and commit acts of rape. After each assault, he would give her money, further manipulating her into silence.
The court heard that Shorto’s predatory behavior extended beyond his own home. He would force his way into the girl’s residence when her family was away, continuing the abuse in her own environment. The young girl, who has learning difficulties and was too frightened to report the abuse at the time, repeatedly tried to escape but was physically dragged back by Shorto. It was only after she found the courage to disclose her ordeal that she was taken for a medical examination, which confirmed injuries consistent with her account.
When police arrived to arrest Shorto, he responded with remorse, saying, “I’m sorry, I did it, I’ll learn from my mistakes,” and added, “It’s sick: I’m one of them now.” During police questioning, he initially admitted to the abuse but later denied it, claiming that the girl had tried to persuade him to engage in sexual acts, which he resisted.
The impact of the abuse has left deep scars on the victim, now aged 14. She suffers from nightmares, flashbacks, and suicidal thoughts, highlighting the long-lasting psychological damage inflicted upon her.
Shorto pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape spanning from early 2008 to mid-May of the previous year. His defense lawyer, Rob Ross, highlighted that Shorto also suffers from learning difficulties, which impair his understanding and behavior. Ross acknowledged that his client was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions and anticipated a significant custodial sentence. He emphasized the importance of rehabilitation both during incarceration and after release.
Judge Douglas Field delivered a stern sentence, condemning Shorto’s actions as profoundly serious. The judge stated, “Over a period of some four years, at least, you subjected her to rape. You were paying her sums of money and, in the limited way that was open to you, in a way of your abilities, you were grooming her to some extent. You were using her to satisfy your perverted sexual appetite.”
The judge further emphasized the lasting harm caused, noting that the psychological trauma inflicted on the girl could persist for the rest of her life. He acknowledged the increasing importance the courts place on the psychological well-being of victims, especially minors, in sex offense cases. As part of his sentence, Shorto was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and to comply with a sexual offences prevention order upon his release from prison.