A serial child sex offender with a “very strong desire to abuse boys” has been caged for 21 years after he raped a schoolboy.
Philip Shield, 68, was previously jailed in 2010 for nine years after he was found guilty of offences against three minors.
This week a court heard how a fourth victim has now bravely spoken out and reported what Shield did to him as a child.
Shield, from Gateshead, denied the crimes but was convicted of offences of rape, indecent assault and indecency with a child following a trial.
Prosecutor Glenn Gatland read a statement from the victim when Shield was being sentenced, 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 forever. I am not the man I could have been.”
Judge Julie Clemitson sentenced Shield to 21 years with an extended licence of one year, according to Newcastle Chronicle. Shield must sign the sex offenders 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, defending, said Shield had spent time “rebuilding his life” after he was released from the last prison sentence.
Detective Constable 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 coming forward.
“I hope this also urges others to come forward who may be suffering in silence and to know, no matter how long ago you may have been abused, we will do all we can to get it to the courts.”
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