DANIEL SHONE FROM CHURCH GRESLEY AND CONNAH'S QUAY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND KNIFE POSSESSION

In January 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded involving a young man named Daniel Shone, whose actions have left a lasting impact on a teenage girl and the local communities of Church Gresley and Connah's Quay. The case was brought before Derby Crown Court, revealing a harrowing account of a brutal sexual assault committed by Shone, who was just 17 at the time.

According to court proceedings, the victim, a 14-year-old girl, was walking home from a friend's house in Swadlincote around 6:30 pm on March 27. She noticed that she was being followed by Shone, a teenager known to the community. Without warning, he grabbed her by the arm and began dragging her down the street. Despite her efforts to break free, she was caught a second time, and the assault escalated as Shone dragged her into nearby fields and into a dark, muddy woodland area.

During the attack, the girl was sexually assaulted. Disturbingly, a knife fell from Shone's pocket during the assault, adding an element of danger and violence to the incident. The terrified victim, overwhelmed by fear, swore on her mother’s life that she would not tell anyone about what had transpired. Nevertheless, she managed to escape and sought refuge with a friend before returning home to inform her father about the assault.

Once at home, she recounted the traumatic event to her family, who immediately contacted the police. The victim was able to provide a detailed description of her attacker, notably mentioning a distinctive facial tattoo that helped law enforcement identify him. The police swiftly responded, and Shone was arrested the following day. During questioning, he claimed that everything that happened was consensual and accused the victim of 'stitching him up.'

Shone, who has previously been known to authorities for threatening pupils at a Derbyshire school—causing a lockdown—was found to have a troubled background. It was noted that he had been 'let down by significant adults almost since the day he was born.'

In court, Judge Shaun Smith QC described Shone as a dangerous individual, emphasizing that even at 18, he posed a serious risk of sexual harm to females. The judge made it clear that Shone's actions warranted a serious response, and he was subsequently sentenced to three years in a young offender’s institution.

Prosecutor Sarah Allen detailed the events, highlighting the victim's fear and the brutality of the assault. She also pointed out that Shone had been involved in prior threatening behavior, which added to the concerns about his dangerousness.

Following the sentencing, the victim’s family issued a heartfelt statement. They expressed their feelings of failure for not being able to protect their daughter but also conveyed their pride in her bravery. They acknowledged the profound impact of the incident on their lives and expressed gratitude for the swift police response, particularly praising Officer Gavin Owen for his ongoing support. The family also thanked the community, their church, and their employers for their support during this difficult time.

In conclusion, the case of Daniel Shone underscores the importance of community vigilance and the need for effective intervention for troubled youth. His actions have left scars on the victim and her family, but justice has been served with his removal from the streets and his placement in a juvenile detention facility. The community now hopes for healing and recovery for all those affected by this traumatic event.