“I am not the man I could have been”
The harrowing words of a brave rape victim who has spoken out against his attacker.
Philip Shield had already served a nine-year prison sentence for sex offences against three boys in 2010 and now a fourth victim has bravely spoken out and reported what Shield did to him as a youngster.
An investigation was launched by Northumbria Police’s safeguarding unit and Shield was questioned by detectives.
The 68-year-old denied the allegations but was convicted of offences of rape, indecent assault and indecency with a child after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court. And he was this week sentenced to 21 years with an extended licence of one year at the same court.
A statement read out in court from the victim 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 forever. I am not the man I could have been.”
Detective Constable John Harland led the investigation and hopes this gives others the confidence to come forward and report non-recent abuse.
Shield, of Crocus Close, Blaydon, Gateshead, must also sign the sex offenders register and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for life.
