MARC SHIERS SENTENCED IN BRIMSCOMBE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Brimscombe and the surrounding Gloucestershire area, Marc Shiers, a 33-year-old man with a troubling history, was sentenced to prison for his involvement in the sexual assault of a young girl. The incident, which took place over several months, revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior by Shiers, who had previously been convicted of similar offenses.

According to court records, Shiers had established a relationship with the 14-year-old girl through a mutual acquaintance in 2004. Over time, he gained her trust by buying her numerous gifts, including watches, jewelry, DVDs, computer games, and clothing. This manipulation led the girl to skip school and spend time with him, often communicating via email, instant messaging, and an astonishing 4,351 phone calls. Shiers also claimed to be a former marine who had been shot, a story he used to further ingratiate himself with his young victim.

The court heard that Shiers traveled from Brimscombe to Exeter on February 25th, where he met the girl. He then agreed to take her to a family member’s home in Gloucestershire, but upon arrival, the family member was not present. Shiers allowed her to stay at his residence, asserting that they slept in separate bedrooms. Despite initial denials, Shiers later admitted to having a sexual relationship with the girl, acknowledging that he was aware of her age. The prosecution detailed that he had sexually assaulted her between December of the previous year and February of this year, including a charge of unlawful intercourse, and had abducted her from Exeter between February 23rd and 27th.

Shiers’s criminal record was significant, with three prior convictions for similar offenses involving young girls. His history of predatory behavior and manipulation made the case particularly serious. During sentencing at Gloucester Crown Court, Judge Jamie Tabor QC described Shiers as a danger to young girls and ordered that he be supervised upon release from prison. The court sentenced him to four and a half years in prison, with three and a half years for unlawful sexual intercourse and an additional year for abduction. Furthermore, Shiers was placed on the sex offenders register and was given an extended period of licence for three and a half years.

It was also noted that Shiers was released from custody in March 2013, after serving part of his sentence. The case has raised concerns about the safety of young girls in the community and the importance of vigilant supervision of known offenders like Shiers, especially given his history and the nature of his crimes.