SHANE VERTIGAN FAKENHAM POLICE SUPPORT OFFICER AND FOOTBALL CHAIRMAN CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON TEENAGE GIRL

In September 2019, the community of Fakenham was rocked by the revelation of a dark secret involving one of its seemingly respectable residents, Shane Vertigan. Once regarded as an upstanding member of society, Vertigan's true nature was laid bare in a court of law, revealing a disturbing history of abuse that spanned over a decade.

Shane Vertigan, aged 49 and residing in Whitelands, Fakenham, faced serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving a young girl aged between 13 and 15 years old. Despite initially denying all eight charges brought against him, the verdict delivered by a jury at Norwich Crown Court was unequivocal. On a Friday, the jury found Vertigan guilty of six counts of sexually assaulting the girl, with the incidents reportedly occurring more than ten years prior to the trial.

Throughout the proceedings, it was emphasized that Vertigan had maintained a facade of respectability within the community. His professional background included serving as a police community support officer (PCSO) in Fakenham for several years, a role that involved engaging with the local community and maintaining public safety. Additionally, he worked at the Bethel Street Police Station in Norwich within the custody office for five years. His involvement in public service extended further when, in 1997, he was appointed as a traffic warden for Fakenham, Holt, and Walsingham. Vertigan earned a reputation as the 'singing traffic warden' and was also known for his musical talents, having performed as a singer for a Salvation Army band, a charity organization he supported.

Beyond his roles in law enforcement and community service, Vertigan was deeply involved in local sports. He had a longstanding association with Hindringham Football Club, where he held various positions, including that of chairman. He was also a qualified football referee, further embedding himself in the fabric of local community life.

However, the veneer of respectability was shattered during the sentencing hearing at Ipswich Crown Court. Judge David Goodin described Vertigan as “an outwardly decent member of society concealing a dark and ugly secret.” The judge detailed how Vertigan had become obsessed with the young girl, who was significantly younger than him, and had employed grooming behaviors to manipulate her into a vulnerable position. The court heard that the sexual assaults included acts of touching her genital area, a revelation that left the courtroom in silence.

The impact of Vertigan’s actions was profound, with the court hearing how the victim had been deeply affected by the abuse, which had left lasting scars. The sentencing resulted in Vertigan being sentenced to six years in prison, marking a stark end to a career that had once been built on community service and trust. The case served as a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk behind the facades of those who appear to be pillars of society.