TOMMY SMALLSHAW FROM PERRANARWORTHAL FACES REHABILITATION AFTER CRIMES IN FALMOUTH AND TRURO

In January 2023, a serious case involving Tommy Smallshaw, a resident of Perranarworthal near Truro, unfolded in the courts of Cornwall. Smallshaw, aged 37, was brought before Truro Crown Court to face charges related to his disturbing online activities and breaches of a sexual harm prevention order. The court heard that he had pleaded guilty to multiple serious offenses, including attempting to communicate sexually with a child, creating indecent images of minors, and violating restrictions imposed by a sexual harm prevention order.

The case revealed that Smallshaw had engaged in illicit online behavior, including posing as an 11-year-old on a North American dating platform designed for children aged 13 to 18. During these interactions, he believed he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl. The conversations quickly turned explicit, with Smallshaw exchanging inappropriate photographs and engaging in sexually explicit chats. Unbeknownst to him, the girl was actually an undercover police officer, and he even asked to meet her in person.

Following these events, law enforcement authorities executed a warrant at his workplace in Falmouth, where Smallshaw was apprehended. During the search, several electronic devices were seized, and police discovered seven Category C indecent images depicting girls aged between 11 and 13. These images had been received during various online chats, further evidencing his offending behavior.

Despite the restrictions of his sexual harm prevention order, which prohibited him from using pseudonyms online, Smallshaw was later caught by online paedophile hunters. During a livestreamed confrontation at his workplace in Falmouth, he was identified and arrested. However, the evidence collected by these groups was limited, as much of it could not be used in court due to procedural issues.

Representing Smallshaw, solicitor Hollie Gilbery, stated that her client had shown positive engagement during his time in prison and was motivated to participate in rehabilitative programs aimed at addressing his offending. Nevertheless, Judge Simon Carr interrupted to emphasize that Smallshaw had yet to accept the reality of his entrenched sexual interest in children. The judge pointed out that this issue was a fundamental aspect of his behavior and that it would persist unless properly managed.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Carr explained that Smallshaw’s relatively short custodial sentence had allowed him to pursue a path of rehabilitation. The judge made it clear that the defendant’s behavior during the chats was a classic tactic used by paedophiles to lure children. He warned that prolonging incarceration would not necessarily aid in his rehabilitation, as prisons do not typically offer the specialized courses available in shorter-term programs.

Ultimately, Smallshaw was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete the Horizons sex offenders’ program and to register as a sex offender. The court’s decision underscores the serious nature of his offenses and the ongoing need for monitoring and intervention to prevent further harm.