Southampton Man Jailed for Ten Years for Child Sex Offences in Hythe
A 43 year old man from Southampton has been sentenced to ten years in prison for the sexual assault of a child under the age of 13.
Shane Allen, of Graham Street, was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault on a child at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday, 3 July. He was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 2 September.
The offences took place in Hythe between November 2021 and July 2022. At the time of the abuse, the victim was just six years old.
In addition to the custodial sentence, Allen has been made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a restraining order, and mandatory registration as a sex offender under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Trainee Detective Constable Elliot Thorne, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team (West), praised the bravery of the young victim and the efforts of everyone involved in the case.
“I am pleased for the young victim in this case that justice has now been served for them and their family, and that Allen has now been placed behind bars for a significant period of time,” DC Thorne said.
“I’d like to place on record my praise and admiration for the very young victim in this case and the courage and determination they have shown throughout, supported by their family.
“Additionally, I’d like thank everyone who has been involved in this case, helping to secure this outcome. Their support and hard work during the investigation has ensured a dangerous man is now locked away and no longer able to harm any other child.
“While I know this result won’t rid the victim and their family of the memories of what Allen did, I truly hope it allows them to move forward, safe in the knowledge that he has now been punished for his crimes and can no longer repeat his offending”
DC Thorne also urged other victims of sexual offences to come forward.
“I really hope this sentence will reassure victims, both children and adults, that they will be listened to when reporting similar incidents to us.
“We encourage other victims to come forward and speak to us. We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and work hard to bring offenders to justice, as this case hopefully again evidences.
“This case should also be a very clear message to other offenders out there that we will always work tirelessly to ensure you are brought to justice for your crimes.”
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Support and Reporting
Hampshire Constabulary encourages anyone with concerns about child abuse to contact them via 101, or to report anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
For support services:
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk
• Childline (for children): 0800 1111
Additional resources for support after rape and sexual assault can be found via the Hampshire Constabulary website.
Victims of abuse are entitled to support regardless of whether they choose to report the crime.
