IAN SNOOK FROM SHEPTON MALLET SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR REPEATED RAPE OF TEENAGE GIRL IN SOMERSET

In a case that has shocked the community of Shepton Mallet and the wider Somerset area, Ian Snook, a 44-year-old man with a troubling history, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after admitting to multiple counts of rape involving a 13-year-old girl. The incident, which spanned a period of significant distress and betrayal, has left a lasting impact on the victim and has drawn widespread condemnation from the court and local residents alike.

During the proceedings at Taunton Crown Court, it was revealed that Snook, who previously resided at Hillmead in Shepton Mallet, pleaded guilty on the second day of his trial to four counts of rape, which were described as specimen counts. His decision to admit guilt came after the prosecution outlined the case against him, sparing the young girl from having to testify in court. The court heard that Snook's actions were part of a pattern of repeated abuse, which had begun before the tragic death of his wife, adding a layer of complexity and tragedy to the case.

Patrick Mason, representing Snook, provided a detailed account of his client’s personal circumstances. He described Snook as a caring father of two teenage sons who found himself suddenly single following the death of his wife. The financial pressures that ensued, including falling behind on his mortgage payments, contributed to the circumstances that led to his offending. Mason emphasized that Snook harbored strong feelings for the girl and mistakenly believed their relationship was based on love. The defendant’s financial and emotional struggles culminated in him and his sons living in an employer’s barn after being evicted from their home.

Following Snook’s admission of guilt, the victim expressed relief, stating that she felt a significant burden had been lifted from her shoulders. However, the repercussions for Snook were severe. His home was targeted and vandalized—his car was burned out, and his residence was burgled and trashed. Mason highlighted that Snook and his sons had been victimized and forced to leave their home environment, which added to the trauma of the case.

Judge Peter Towler delivered a stern sentence, describing the case as one marked by a “quite shocking history of repeated rape.” The judge recounted that the abuse began before the death of Snook’s wife and involved threats with a large knife, with Snook warning the girl that he would harm her if she disclosed the abuse. The judge expressed particular concern over Snook’s attitude, noting that he believed his relationship with the girl, which he claimed started when she was 13, was akin to that of a man and wife. This perception, the judge said, demonstrated a disturbing lack of remorse and understanding of the harm caused.

Furthermore, the court was told that Snook did not see his actions as wrong and refused to acknowledge the need for behavioral correction. A probation officer’s report described Snook’s conduct as an extreme breach of trust and violation, emphasizing that he appeared primarily concerned with the impact on himself rather than the victim. The judge stressed the importance of extensive monitoring if Snook were to be released, given the severity of his offenses.

Judge Towler highlighted the profound and lasting damage inflicted on the girl, noting her ongoing nightmares and difficulty forming proper relationships with men. The court acknowledged that, despite Snook’s stress following his wife’s death, this was no justification for his actions. As a result, the judge sentenced Snook to an extended custodial term of 12 years, with an additional seven years on license. Snook would be eligible for parole after serving six years but would be automatically released after eight, with the new license period continuing thereafter. Additionally, Snook was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was prohibited from contacting anyone under the age of 16 until further notice. The sentence also included concurrent terms for two other rape charges, with two additional charges ordered to lie on file, ensuring a comprehensive legal response to his crimes.