SHAWN EVANS' HORRIFIC CRIME IN BARTON: EXPOSED AND HUMILIATED TWO GIRLS ONLINE

In April 2016, a deeply disturbing case unfolded involving Shawn Evans, a resident of Barton, who was branded as 'evil' for his calculated and malicious actions targeting two young girls. Evans-Norris, operating from his home on Taggs Gate in Barton, devised a sinister scheme using a fake Facebook account to manipulate and exploit two vulnerable minors, aged 16 and 14.

He approached the younger girl first, convincing her to send explicit images of herself in her bra and a video of her stripping, promising that he could secure modelling opportunities for her. When she refused to send additional videos, Evans-Norris retaliated by posting the images and video online, accompanied by offensive messages. This act of digital humiliation caused her immense distress, leading her to feelings of anger and outrage.

Meanwhile, the older girl was also targeted with false promises of financial reward. Evans-Norris offered her money to send photographs that he claimed would demonstrate her suitability for modelling. After she complied by sending topless pictures, she was shocked to discover that her images had been shared publicly on Facebook, thanks to Evans-Norris's malicious actions. The fallout from this exposure was devastating for her, with the impact so severe that she nearly took her own life and began self-harming regularly. Health professionals described her case as a stark example of the damaging effects sexting and online exploitation can have on young people.

Prosecutor Cathy Olliver detailed the case during a hearing at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday, April 28. She explained that police tracked down Evans-Norris through his IP address after initial denial of the offences. He later admitted to possessing indecent images of the girls and sharing those images between January and May of the previous year. However, he denied charges related to causing or inciting child prostitution or pornography, which were left on file.

Defense lawyer Tim Greaves argued that Evans-Norris's actions were not driven by sexual desire but rather by a need for control, stemming from his previous relationship with his first girlfriend, which had ended due to infidelity. He claimed that the fake Facebook profiles were created to monitor his ex-girlfriend's behavior and that his client was devastated by the breakup. Greaves expressed remorse on Evans-Norris's behalf, acknowledging the severe consequences his actions had inflicted on the victims.

Judge Ross, presiding over the case, stated that he was compelled to impose a sentence beyond the standard guidelines due to the heinous nature of the crimes. While the typical sentence for possessing indecent images of children ranges from 26 weeks to two years, the judge sentenced Evans-Norris to two years and three months in prison. He described the offending as more sinister because it was motivated by a desire for control and humiliation rather than sexual gratification, emphasizing the calculated cruelty involved.

Following the sentencing, Pauline Nicklin, manager of the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust's school nurses service, highlighted the profound impact such cases have on young people's mental health. She stressed the importance of collaboration among police, social services, health professionals, and educators to educate teenagers about the serious and lasting consequences of sexting. Nicklin pointed out that many young girls, in particular, justify sharing revealing images by feeling confident about their appearance, unaware of the potential for long-term harm. She concluded by warning that even those who do not intend harm can inadvertently become part of devastating situations like this, underscoring the need for ongoing awareness and preventative measures.