SHAUN WILKES FROM LEIGH PARK ESCAPES JAIL AFTER ENCOURAGING CHILD ABUSE IN DISTURBING CHAT LOGS

In June 2018, Shaun Wilkes, a 53-year-old resident of Leigh Park, found himself at the center of a disturbing case that drew significant attention from law enforcement and the judiciary. Wilkes appeared in Portsmouth Crown Court, visibly distressed as the details of his involvement in a troubling online communication were laid bare before the judge.

According to prosecutor Barry McElduff, police executed a search warrant at Wilkes’ residence located in Little Hackets, Leigh Park, amid suspicions that devices in his home contained child abuse images. However, the investigation did not uncover any indecent images on his electronic devices. Instead, authorities discovered a series of disturbing messages exchanged via the chat application Kik, which revealed Wilkes engaging in highly inappropriate and disturbing conversations.

These chat logs, which were described as 'sickening' by the prosecution, included Wilkes describing in considerable detail acts of abusing a young girl. The court was informed that Wilkes’ lawyer claimed these messages were 'pure fantasy,' emphasizing that no physical abuse or actual crimes had been committed. Despite this assertion, the court was shown evidence of the messages, which included a particularly alarming log from 2016. In this log, Wilkes advised another individual on how to 'abuse his own niece,' suggesting that what might begin as innocent play could escalate into something far more sinister.

Throughout the proceedings, it was made clear that there was no evidence to suggest that any physical abuse had actually taken place or that the second man involved had acted on Wilkes’ suggestions. Nevertheless, Wilkes was charged with encouraging or assisting in the commission of an offence, specifically in relation to the sexual abuse of a child under 13. The police confirmed that Wilkes had no prior convictions and denied any sexual interest in children during police interviews.

The court heard that Wilkes’ actions, while not resulting in physical harm, constituted serious incitement. He was accused of encouraging or aiding the sexual assault of a young girl and of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. The prosecution emphasized that Wilkes did not carry out these acts himself but that his encouragement was enough to warrant legal consequences.

Judge David Melville QC addressed the court, condemning Wilkes’ conduct as 'appalling' and 'unimaginable.' The judge remarked, 'To state such things to anybody else displays a degree of depravity on your part which is difficult for any decent people to comprehend.' He further advised that such fantasies should be kept to oneself, highlighting the severity of Wilkes’ comments.

In sentencing, Judge Melville imposed a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, Wilkes was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities, perform 100 hours of unpaid work, and have his phone destroyed. The court also issued a sexual harm prevention order, restricting his access to the internet, and mandated that Wilkes register as a sex offender. These measures aimed to prevent any future risk and to monitor his conduct moving forward.