Child abuser jailed for 21 years for raping boy
HE HAD ALREADY SERVED NINE YEARS FOR ASSAULTING YOUTHS
A SERIAL child sex attacker with a “very strong desire to abuse boys” has been jailed for 21 years for raping a schoolboy.
Philip Shield, 68, has already served a nine-year prison sentence for sex offences against three boys in 2010. Newcastle Crown Court heard a fourth victim has now bravely spoken out and reported what Shield did to him as a youngster.
Shield, of Crocus Close, Blaydon, Gateshead, denied it but was convicted of offences of rape, indecent assault and indecency with a child after a trial. Prosecutor
Glenn Gatland read a statement from the victim at the sentence hearing, in which he said: “I never feel safe. I don’t know if I will ever feel safe again.
“You have not only destroyed a boy back then but you have also damaged a man for ever. I am not the man I could have been.”
Judge Julie Clemitson sentenced Shield to 21 years with an extended licence of one year. Shield must sign the sex offender register and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for life.
Judge Clemitson said Shield appears to have a “very strong desire to abuse boys”. The judge said the latest victim suffered “severe” psychological harm as a result of the offences and many aspects of his life have been affected.
Kate Barnes, for Shield, said he had spent time “rebuilding his life” after he was released from the last prison sentence.
Det Con John Harland led the investigation and hopes this gives others the confidence to come forward and report non-recent abuse. He said: “Shield is a predator who subjected his victim to a horrific campaign of abuse. Thankfully he is now behind bars, where he belongs, thanks to the bravery of the victim in coming forward.
“I hope this also urges others to come forward who may be suffering in silence. No matter how long ago you may have been abused, we will do all we can to get it to court.”