SHAUN PRETTYJOHNS FROM NORTON FITZWARREN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST UNDERAGE GIRL IN TAUNTON

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Norton Fitzwarren, Shaun Prettyjohns, aged 31, has been convicted and sentenced for engaging in sexual activities with a minor and for taking indecent photographs of a young girl. The incident, which involves disturbing allegations of child exploitation, was brought before Taunton Crown Court, where the severity of the crimes was fully acknowledged by the judicial system.

On Thursday, January 26, Judge David Evans handed down a sentence of four and a half years in prison to Prettyjohns. The court heard that he had pleaded guilty to two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a girl who was only 15 years old at the time, along with four counts of taking indecent photographs of her. These offences are believed to have occurred between June 2009 and 2010, highlighting a troubling history of misconduct that spanned over a year.

Prettyjohns, who resides at Coopers Mill in Norton Fitzwarren, was also ordered to register as a sex offender, a standard procedure in cases involving sexual crimes against minors. The court's decision underscores the gravity of his actions and the ongoing concern for safeguarding minors from such predatory behavior.

Earlier, in December 2016, Prettyjohns appeared at Taunton Crown Court facing similar allegations. During that hearing, he was informed that a prison sentence was 'inevitable' after he admitted to a series of historical sexual offences involving a 15-year-old girl. His appearance was initially expected to proceed to trial, but he unexpectedly entered guilty pleas to two counts of sexual penetration of a child and four counts of taking indecent photographs.

Judge David Ticehurst, presiding over the case, ordered a pre-sentence report and scheduled sentencing for January 23. The judge made it clear that the nature of the offences was so serious that an immediate prison sentence was highly likely. Until sentencing, Prettyjohns was released on bail, but he was required to sign the Sexual Offenders Register, reflecting the court's commitment to monitoring individuals convicted of such crimes.

The case has garnered significant attention in Norton Fitzwarren and the surrounding areas, raising ongoing concerns about child protection and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable minors from exploitation and abuse.