PHILIP SHAW OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT DEEMED A DANGEROUS OFFENDER AFTER ATTACK IN BLACKBURN
A convicted rapist who previously lived on the Isle of Wight and carried out an attack in Blackburn, Lancashire, has been officially classified as a dangerous offender.Philip Shaw, of Parsonage Court, Sandown, perpetrated a sexual assault on a woman in October 2019, Preston Crown Court was told.
The 35-year-old Shaw engaged in a conversation with the woman, who is a sex worker, and they agreed on a £40 transaction.
However, Shaw failed to pay her.
As they moved toward a more secluded spot, he forced her against a nearby vehicle and attempted to rape her.
The court heard that his victim experienced sleepless nights, stress, anxiety, and has become fearful of going out alone as a result of the attack.
Prosecutor Alaric Bassano stated, “The defendant, who knew perfectly well she was not consenting and who could see and hear her distress, was quite unmoved, insensitive to her wishes and appeared to care only about his gratification.” He added that Shaw menaced her, saying, “I will kick the f*** out of you.” The woman, crying, begged Shaw to stop.
His assault was interrupted when a passing car caused him to withdraw from the victim, who then fled and contacted police.
The court also heard that Shaw had previously served a seven-year sentence for raping a woman in Runcorn, Cheshire, ten years prior.
Police investigation footage showed the attack in Blackburn lasted approximately two minutes.
Shaw told police that before the incident, he had spent his last £10 on oral sex from another woman.
He claimed he told his victim he had no money, but she still wanted sex.
Shaw maintained a not guilty plea until the trial, when he ultimately pleaded guilty on the second day.
He was sentenced to 12 years and three months in prison, with an active custodial sentence of eight years and three months and the remaining time on license.
In her sentencing remarks, Recorder Geoffrey Payne highlighted that Shaw “knew full well she was not consenting,” describing the attack as “a terrible ordeal for her.” The victim reportedly feels guilty for her situation, though the court recognized these feelings as misplaced.
The Recorder emphasized that Shaw did not tell the police the truth when arrested.
Deeming Shaw a dangerous offender, Recorder Payne explained, “I am required to consider the issue of dangerousness — that is, whether there is a risk of significant further offences and causing serious harm.” He concluded, “I am satisfied that you do pose such a risk.
In particular, you present a high risk of serious harm to sex workers and women you have a sexual interest in.”
