A PROLIFIC paedophile will spend decades behind bars after being found guilty of a string of shocking sexual abuse against young children.

Shane Medhurst, of Windsor, was found guilty at the end of a two-week trial in May of several crimes against children under the age of 13.

The jury at Reading Crown Court found Medhurst guilty of:

  • Five counts of sexual activity with a child
  • Three counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
  • Two counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in penetrative sexual activity
  • Two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13
  • One count of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
  • One count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration

Thames Valley Police said the 57 year old exploited his position of responsibility as someone who children should have been able to rely on and trust. He used that position instead to abuse his victims, the force said.

On Monday, June 10, Medhurst was sentenced to a total of 25 years in prison at the same court. 

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Sharon Lenihan, of Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “The young victims in this case have shown immense courage in telling someone what happened to them, resulting in the conviction of Medhurst.

“Medhurst will now serve a substantial prison service for sexual offences he committed on children.

“Thames Valley Police will work with victims to prosecute the perpetrators of child sexual offences and protect the wider public and I hope that this case shows that time should be no barrier for those who have been sexually abused to come forward.”