Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
‘Proud as a peacock’ evil child rapist is jailed for 20 years
Exclusive ‘You have no insight, no remorse whatsoever, and no understanding of just how dangerous you are or what you have done’
A former college lecturer stood in the dock dressed in a woman’s wig and clothes as he was jailed for a campaign of child rape and sexual abuse.
Phillip Shilling, 55, showed no remorse as he was branded “proud as a peacock” by a judge who put him behind bars for 20 years.
The sexual predator, who abused one of his victims at Canterbury College, where he taught bricklaying, was convicted by a jury of eight sex offences.
He had dressed as a man throughout the trial at Canterbury Crown Court, but sported a brunette wig and cardigan as he appeared for sentencing on Friday.
The paedophile, of High Street, Herne Bay, stood defiant as Judge James O’mahony told him: “I see you there, as proud as a peacock.
“You have no insight, no remorse whatsoever, and no understanding of just how dangerous you are or what you have done and the sheer suffering you have caused innocent people.”
Shilling was given a 24-year extended jail sentence and will not be considered for parole before he is in his late 60s.
Prosecutor Ross Cohen told the court he used a variety of threats, humiliation and bribes to coerce his victims, who he also plied with alcohol.
He even urinated over the uniform of one of his victims, which she then had to wear to school the following day.
When he was arrested he claimed his victims had lied, but then refused to answer police questions about the allegations.
The judge told him: “Your attitude has been to denigrate the victims of your appalling cruelty.
“You groomed these children with alcohol, cigarettes, money or physical violence, all for your own sexual gratification.”
He added that calling him a peacock had nothing to do with the clothes he chose to wear, but the manner he had adopted in the dock.
Shilling was given a 20-year jail sentence and the judge ordered him to serve another four years on licence when he is finally released.
Commenting on the case, an NSPCC spokesman said: “Shilling has shown himself incapable of demonstrating contrition and treated his victims with disdain.
“The impact of the abuse they experienced at his hands is likely to last a lifetime, but with the right help and support they can rebuild their lives.
“Thanks to the bravery of his victims, justice has finally been served and his campaign of horrific abuse is over.”
Childline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 0800 1111, offering confidential advice to children and young people. Adults concerned about a child’s welfare can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 8005000.