SHAUN PACKER FROM SOUTH OXHEY SENTENCED TO 13 MONTHS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCE IMAGES

In May 2011, Shaun Packer, a 44-year-old resident of South Oxhey, was sentenced to a prison term after being convicted of possessing a vast collection of indecent images of children and extreme pornography involving animals. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the offences and the circumstances surrounding his flight from justice.

On August 7, police executed a search warrant at Packer’s residence on Ilkley Road, South Oxhey. During the search, authorities discovered more than 38,000 images and videos depicting child sex abuse, a finding that underscored the severity of his crimes. Packer subsequently pleaded guilty in magistrates’ court to 20 charges, which included possession of indecent images of children and extreme pornographic content involving animals.

He was scheduled to be sentenced at St Albans Crown Court in March but failed to appear, having absconded from justice. It was later revealed that Packer was found living in a tent within a wooded area in Stevenage, attempting to evade law enforcement. His disappearance prompted a police investigation, which ultimately led to his arrest and return to custody.

Judge Stephen Gullick sentenced Packer to a total of 13 months in prison. The sentence included 57 days served in custody prior to sentencing, which was to be counted towards his overall term. Packer’s defense argued that he denied any sexual interest in children and claimed that his viewing of the images was motivated by a desire to understand the abuse he himself suffered as a child. However, because he refused to admit any sexual motivation, he was deemed unsuitable for community treatment programs often offered in such cases.

During interviews conducted without legal representation, Packer admitted to collecting the images over a period of three years. He explained that he was drawn to the material by an internet forum and claimed that he found the innocence of the children depicted reminded him of his own past experiences. His criminal history included a shoplifting conviction from 1986 and a case of criminal damage from 1991.

Russell Robinson, representing the defense, referenced a psychiatric report suggesting that Packer’s interest in viewing such material might stem from his isolated lifestyle and childhood abuse, rather than sexual gratification. Robinson also noted that Packer had failed to appear for his sentencing hearing due to a last-minute loss of nerve.

Judge Gullick addressed the court, acknowledging that most of the images were classified as level one, but emphasizing that hundreds were classified as level four and five, involving very young girls, some as young as four years old. The judge stated, “You pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, but there was a substantial amount of indecent material, including a significant number of the most serious levels. When you should have attended for sentencing, you chose to run and hide in a tent. In my judgment, this amount of material, particularly levels four and five, warrants a custodial sentence.”

In addition to his prison term, Packer was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for ten years following his release. He was also subjected to a sexual offences prevention order, which imposed strict conditions on his internet use and contact with children. These restrictions are set to remain in place until he reaches the age of 60, reflecting the seriousness of his offences and the ongoing risk he poses.