DOMINIC SHAWCROSS SENTENCED IN WOODNESBOROUGH FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRLS

A former music instructor from Woodnesborough has been handed a prison sentence of two and a half years after being found guilty of abusing two young girls over two decades ago. Dominic Shawcross, aged 45, used his professional position and personal appearance to manipulate and groom his victims, exploiting their vulnerability during his time teaching at local schools.

Shawcross was accused of passing around portfolio photographs among impressionable children, which he used as a tool to gain their trust and facilitate his inappropriate conduct. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the trial, the court convicted him of multiple charges, including sexual assault and grooming. The judge described Shawcross’s conduct as reveling in the attention of teenage girls, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior.

During the court proceedings, the victims delivered powerful impact statements, detailing how the abuse had profoundly affected their lives. They spoke of ongoing emotional distress and the long-lasting scars left by Shawcross’s actions. The case drew significant attention in the local community, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from individuals abusing positions of authority.

In addition to his teaching career, Shawcross also claims to be a qualified archery instructor and teaches karate, further complicating the profile of a man convicted of serious sex offences. The jury deliberated thoroughly before reaching a verdict, which resulted in Shawcross’s conviction on four separate sex offence charges. His sentencing underscores the justice system’s commitment to holding offenders accountable, especially those who exploit their roles to prey on young and vulnerable individuals.