Man, 43, jailed for ten years for child sex offences in Hythe

A 43-year-old man from Southampton has been jailed for ten years for two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.

Shane Allen, of Graham Street, who was found guilty at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday 3 July, was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday (2 September).

The offences, for which he has been imprisoned, took place in Hythe between Saturday 13 November 2021 and Saturday 16 July 2022.

The victim was six years of age at the time of the incidents.

As well as the time he will now spend behind bars, Allen has also been made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restraining order and notification of requirement to register with the police, in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act (2003)

Trainee Detective Constable Elliot Thorne, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team (West), said: “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.

“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.’

Directly addressing other victims of sex offences, Trainee DC Thorne, said: “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.”

Anyone who has any concerns about child abuse should contact us on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to speak to police, but there is support services available that can help you if you are a victim of abuse.

Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood, or is concerned about a child, can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

As a survivor of sexual abuse, you’re entitled to support, whether you report the crime or not. You can access different types of support depending on how you’re feeling and what you decide to do next.

Please follow the below link for more information;

Support after rape and sexual assault | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary