COLIN EAMENS OF SHOTTON SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SIX YOUNG BOYS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Shotton, Colin Eamens, a 66-year-old man residing on Nelson Street, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 17 years for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against six young boys over several decades.

The proceedings took place at Mold Crown Court, where Eamens appeared to face the consequences of his actions. He had previously entered guilty pleas to a total of seventeen separate charges, all involving different victims, during a hearing prior to sentencing. The charges spanned a period from the 1970s, when Eamens was in his twenties, through to around 2011, when he was in his mid-fifties, indicating a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that persisted over more than four decades.

Prosecutor Brian Treadwell outlined the disturbing timeline of the offenses, revealing that Eamens targeted multiple young boys during this time. His crimes included grooming the victims, engaging in sexual acts with them, and also encouraging the boys to perform sexual acts on him. The nature of the offenses was particularly egregious, with one of the charges being under the then-relevant legal term 'buggery,' which is now classified as rape under current legislation.

During the court proceedings, statements from several of the victims were read aloud by Mr. Treadwell. These accounts detailed the profound and lasting impact that Eamens' actions have had on their lives. The victims, now adults, demonstrated remarkable courage in coming forward and sharing their experiences, which ultimately led to Eamens' conviction.

Judge Rhys Rowlands addressed the court and the defendant directly, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes. He stated, “There are six victims, each of whom was young when they were abused by you. It is a testament to their courage that now, as grown men, they have come forward — and now you are to be held accountable for your behaviour.”

The judge explained that the sentence would reflect the most serious offense committed against each victim, with the sentences to run consecutively to ensure the totality of Eamens’ criminal conduct was appropriately punished. The legal considerations included the definitions and guidelines relevant at the time of each offense, some of which have since been updated to reflect current standards.

Ultimately, Judge Rowlands sentenced Eamens to a total of 17 years in prison. He clarified that Eamens would be required to serve at least two-thirds of this sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Additionally, Eamens was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was placed under an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.