SHUAN SHARP HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN LYDD - SENTENCED TO 149 YEARS IN CANTERBURY COURT

In April 2017, a disturbing case unfolded at Canterbury Crown Court involving Shaun Sharp, a man originally from Lydd, who was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses against children. The severity and brutality of his crimes have left a lasting scar on his victims and have drawn widespread condemnation from the judicial system.

Sharp, aged 57 at the time of sentencing, faced a total of 21 charges related to the abuse. These charges stemmed from over 130 separate incidents of rape and sexual assault that spanned more than a decade. The details of these offenses revealed a pattern of cruelty, violence, and perversion inflicted upon vulnerable children, with the victims subjected to humiliating and traumatic experiences.

On the day of his trial, Sharp, who has since relocated to the West Country, appeared in court with a stoic demeanor, showing no visible remorse for his actions. Prosecutor Daniel Stevenson outlined the extent of the abuse, emphasizing the long-lasting impact on the victims. The court heard harrowing accounts of the suffering endured by the children, which Judge Heather Norton described as “life-changing and life-shattering,” robbing them of their childhood innocence.

Victims read impact statements aloud in court, describing the profound and lasting damage caused by Sharp’s actions. These statements moved everyone present, including the judge, who remarked that the details of the abuse were so grotesque that they “stunned even a judge who is well used to hearing the details of horrific sex attacks.”

Throughout the proceedings, it was evident that Sharp had shown no genuine remorse or empathy. Instead, he attempted to shift blame onto others for his sordid behavior. Judge Norton condemned his actions as “horrific abuse of children,” and expressed her serious concern about the gravity of the offenses. She stated that she had contemplated whether a life sentence was warranted, given the extent of the harm caused.

Ultimately, the judge sentenced Sharp to a total of 149 years in prison, with the sentences for the 18 remaining charges to run concurrently. She also imposed life sentences on three of the offenses, reflecting the severity of the crimes. The court made it clear that Sharp would serve at least 10 and a half years before being eligible for parole, and even then, release would only occur if the Parole Board deemed it safe for him to re-enter society.

After the sentencing, as Sharp was taken away to the cells, Judge Norton addressed two of the victims directly, expressing her empathy and acknowledging the unimaginable pain they had endured. She praised their courage in coming forward and sharing their stories, emphasizing that their bravery should be recognized and celebrated.

This case underscores the importance of justice for victims of child abuse and highlights the devastating impact such crimes have on individuals and communities alike. The court’s decision sends a clear message that such heinous acts will be met with the full weight of the law, and that perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions.