SHANE ALLEN

A man aged 43 from Southampton has received a ten-year prison sentence after being convicted of two counts of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13.

Shane Allen, who resides on Graham Street, was found guilty at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday, July 3, and subsequently sentenced there on Tuesday, September 2.

The offenses for which he was convicted occurred in Hythe over a period from Saturday, November 13, 2021, to Saturday, July 16, 2022.

The young victim was only six years old at the time of the incidents.

In addition to his prison term, Allen has been subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a restraining order, and the requirement to register with police under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Trainee Detective Constable Elliot Thorne, part of the Child Abuse Investigation Team (West), expressed satisfaction that justice has been served for the young victim and their family, stating that Allen will now be incarcerated for a significant period.

He praised the bravery and resilience shown by the victim throughout the investigation, supported by their family.

Thorne also thanked everyone involved in the case, highlighting that their efforts helped ensure a dangerous individual is no longer a threat to others.

While acknowledging that the memories of the abuse will remain, he hoped the outcome will help the victim and their family find some closure, knowing that Allen has been punished and cannot reoffend.

Addressing other victims of sexual offenses, Thorne emphasized the importance of reporting such crimes and assured that authorities take all allegations seriously, working relentlessly to secure justice.

He concluded by issuing a clear message that offenders should know law enforcement will persist in their efforts to apprehend and prosecute them.