SHANE MORGAN FROM GUNNISLAKE BUSTED FOR BREACHING SEX OFFENDER ORDER DURING DOG WALKS IN CORNWALL

In a serious breach of legal restrictions, Shane Morgan, a registered sex offender residing on Prospect Terrace in Gunnislake, was found to have violated the terms of his sexual offences prevention order by engaging in activities with a minor girl. The incident came to light when Morgan appeared before Truro Crown Court to face charges related to his unlawful conduct.

Shane Morgan, aged 47, had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of breaching the order that was put in place following his conviction for serious sexual offences. The court heard that Morgan’s criminal history dates back to September 2011, when he was sentenced to 14 months in prison at Lewes Crown Court after being convicted of three counts of sexual assault on a female under the age of 13, along with an additional sexual assault charge.

Following his release from prison, Morgan was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order designed to restrict his interactions with minors. This order explicitly prohibited him from having contact with anyone under 16 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian who was fully aware of his criminal background. Despite these restrictions, Morgan’s conduct in the years that followed raised serious concerns.

Prosecutor Sally Daulton detailed how, between June and September 2015, Morgan developed a friendship with a young girl who lived with her mother. The girl had placed an advertisement on social media seeking chicken wire, to which Morgan responded, claiming he had some available and inviting her to his home to collect it. This initial contact marked the beginning of a relationship that would later be scrutinized by authorities.

Over time, Morgan and the girl, both sharing a mutual interest in animals and dogs, grew closer. Morgan became friendly with the girl’s family, often walking their dogs together. However, it was revealed that Morgan did not disclose his past convictions to the girl’s mother, which was a breach of the legal restrictions imposed upon him. The court was told that Morgan attended the girl’s residence, and on one occasion, the girl walked the dogs with Morgan alone, without her mother present. After the walk, Morgan invited her into his home for a drink, an act that further contravened the conditions of his order.

Judge Robert Linford addressed Morgan directly during sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of his breaches. He reminded Morgan that his previous convictions and the subsequent order were meant to protect minors from potential harm. The judge stated, “In September 2011, you were imprisoned for offences of sexual assault, and a sexual offences prevention order was made in your case. That order was designed to prevent contact with persons under 16 unless in the presence of a parent or guardian aware of your conviction.”

He continued, “Between June and September 2015, you had unsupervised contact with a person under 16, which you were explicitly prohibited from doing. You failed to inform the girl’s mother of your past, and you engaged in lone contact with her daughter, although no sexual activity occurred.”

While acknowledging Morgan’s poor health and social isolation, the judge condemned his blatant disregard for the legal safeguards meant to protect children. “It’s illogical not to prioritize the safety of children during sentencing,” he remarked. Ultimately, Morgan was sentenced to 12 months in prison, despite earlier recommendations for a suspended sentence and rehabilitation measures. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such breaches are viewed, especially given Morgan’s history and the potential risk posed to minors in his community.