COLIN SHAKESHAFT SENTENCED IN MIDDLESBROUGH FOR HISTORIC OFFENSES
In September 2007, a man named Colin Shakeshaft, a 56-year-old former Teesport driver, was given a suspended sentence after admitting to indecently assaulting a young girl nearly 16 years prior.Shakeshaft, who lived in Grangetown around 1990 to 1991, assaulted the girl when she was approximately 11 or 12 years old, the court heard.
The incident came to light when the girl, now in her late 20s, broke down and disclosed the abuse after establishing a stable relationship.
Prosecutor Peter Makepeace explained, “When she grew older, she felt able to tell the police what had happened and that she wanted justice.” The girl cannot be named for legal reasons.
When police arrested Shakeshaft in November last year, he admitted to touching the girl for just a few seconds.
He reflected, “Colin, what the hell are you doing?” and stated, “It just happened, I wasn’t planning it,” acknowledging that his actions were motivated by sexual intent.
Shakeshaft also told officers that the misconduct was well known in the community, and he had even been assaulted in a local pub.
He pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent assault, confirming that he touched the girl over her clothing.
He had no prior criminal convictions.
Defending him, David Lamb described the offences as “antique” and noted that Shakeshaft had been largely trouble-free for about 16 years, emphasizing that he had been living in “self-imposed exile.” Judge George Moorhouse described the offences as extremely serious, noting, “No doubt it had an adverse effect upon her.” Despite this, the judge found “exceptional circumstances” justified suspending the 12-month prison term for two years with supervision.
Shakeshaft was also prohibited from working with children and was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which restricts any contact with those under 18 unless for purchasing items or ordering food.
Additionally, he will be registered as a sex offender for seven years.
