SHAUN BLAKELEY FROM SOUTH MOOR JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN COUNTY DURHAM

In June 2013, Shaun Blakeley, a man from South Moor, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of multiple child sex offences. The case, heard at Durham Crown Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several years and involved vulnerable young girls.

Shaun James Blakeley, aged 46 at the time, has a history of sexual offences involving girls aged 15 and under. His criminal record includes recent convictions, notably a sentence of three years and four months handed down in July 2011 for two counts of indecent assault and a breach of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (Sopo).

Prosecutor Robin Turton explained that Blakeley's situation took a further turn earlier this year when, as he was nearing the end of his sentence and about to be released on licence, he was detained at the prison gates. This arrest was prompted by new allegations that had come to light, which involved offences dating back more than a decade. These new charges included additional counts of indecent assault on a girl, further complicating his criminal profile.

At the time of the offences, Blakeley was residing in Sacriston and Edmondsley, areas within County Durham, but he was previously known to live on William Street in South Moor, near Stanley. His trial, which lasted three days last month, resulted in a jury convicting him on two of five charges, all of which he denied. The court recorded formal 'not guilty' verdicts on the remaining three charges following judicial directions.

During the sentencing hearing, Blakeley's legal representative, Tony Davis, emphasized that the recent convictions predated the more recent offences. He stated, “At the time of these offences he didn’t have those convictions. But his offending has since come to light and he has been punished for it.” Davis also noted that Blakeley had acknowledged his problematic behavior following his breaches of the Sopo in 2011 and recognized his sexual attraction to girls aged 15 to 18. He added that efforts to address his issues were ongoing up until his arrest at the prison gate earlier this year.

Judge Christopher Prince, presiding over the case, sentenced Blakeley to eight years in prison. In his remarks, the judge made it clear that Blakeley's actions were serious and that he had lied under oath during the trial, calling the victim a “liar.” The judge praised the victim’s courage in coming forward and telling the truth, emphasizing the importance of her testimony.

Upon his release, Blakeley will be subject to a revised Sexual Offences Prevention Order and will be registered as a sexual offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions related to his conduct. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in protecting vulnerable children from predatory individuals like Shaun Blakeley, whose actions have left a lasting impact on his victims and the community of County Durham.