PETER SHEPPARD'S SHOCKING CRIME IN BURNHAM-ON-SEA: TEARS AND SENTENCE AT TAUNTON CROWN COURT

In a highly emotional and distressing court session at Taunton Crown Court, the case of Peter Sheppard, a 75-year-old resident of Love Lane, Burnham-on-Sea, took a dramatic turn that left many in the courtroom shaken. Sheppard, who faced multiple serious charges related to sexual abuse, was ultimately sentenced to more than seven years in prison, but not before a series of intense and heartbreaking moments unfolded during the proceedings.

Sheppard had been charged with four counts of indecent assault on a young girl, along with one count of gross indecency involving another child. Additionally, he faced allegations of indecency with a third child under the age of 10. Throughout the trial, Sheppard maintained his innocence, denying all the charges brought against him. The prosecution, led by Chris Smyth, presented compelling victim statements that painted a harrowing picture of the impact the abuse had on their lives.

One of the victims, whose statement was read aloud in court, described suffering from depression and an inability to leave her house alone. She expressed her deep mistrust of men, which she attributed to Sheppard’s actions. “I don’t trust men because of what he did to me,” she said. She explained that her life had been significantly affected, with walls built around her to protect herself from further harm. She revealed that she had been diagnosed with depression and was on medication, which she hated taking. The victim also shared her nightmares about the abuse and her feelings of vulnerability, especially now as a mother herself. “Now I am a mum myself I feel I have to protect my children,” she added.

Another victim recounted their struggle to move on after the abuse, stating that they had tried to forget and even moved away. However, the investigation that began in 2015 made it difficult for them to continue with their life. “I struggled to speak to the police, I struggled with everyday life,” they said, highlighting the profound and lasting effects of Sheppard’s actions.

During the court proceedings, Sheppard’s defense lawyer, Patrick Mason, described his client’s background, emphasizing his long and apparently productive working life prior to the allegations. Mason also noted that since Sheppard had been remanded in custody, his mental health had deteriorated. The lawyer pointed out that Sheppard was the primary carer for his wife, who suffered from multiple health issues and was partially blind. Mason expressed concern that Sheppard’s wife might never see him again if he was imprisoned, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the case.

As the court was hearing these details, a highly charged scene unfolded. Sheppard, visibly distressed, began to shake and broke down in tears. He pleaded, “Please get me out of here – I want to die,” before being removed from the dock by security personnel. The judge, Paul Cook, halted the sentencing process to address the situation, and Sheppard was taken back into custody. After a brief pause, Judge Cook proceeded with the sentencing, condemning Sheppard to a term of seven years and two months in prison. The judge acknowledged the profound impact of the abuse on the victims, stating, “I have heard the impact statements from both victims which show the impact on both victims has been profound,” underscoring the seriousness of the crimes committed in Burnham-on-Sea.