A MAN responsible for a series of sex crimes against children has been sentenced by a judge. 

Shaun Sewell’s offences were carried out on four different victims over three-and-a-half years in Copeland between 2011 and 2014. When police caught up with Sewell, 22, he made full and frank admissions of what he had been doing.

He was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court by Judge Barbara Forrester having pleaded guilty to nine charges. He admitted six counts of sexual activity with a child, both taking and distributing indecent images of a child and also stalking. 

Sewell, of North Road, Whitehaven, was ordered to undergo three years of supervision and must attend a sex offenders’ group work programme. He has to sign the sex offender’s register for five years and for the same length of time must abide by the stringent terms of a sexual harm prevention order. 

Tim Evans, prosecuting, referred to a statement provided by one of Sewell’s victims. This gave an indication of the impact his crimes had.  The victim wrote: “My whole life has changed. “I am nothing like I used to be. “He has ruined my life.” 

Background reports and psychological assessments of Sewell were prepared ahead of his sentencing. Kim Whittlestone, defending, said: “He is a young man who – and a psychologist agrees – would benefit from a sex offenders’ treatment programme. He is currently living at his father’s address. His father is in court and extremely supportive of him,” said Miss Whittlestone. 

“His father is a steadying influence in respect of this young man. Once he is sentenced, he will reside with his father and will attempt to gain work as a labourer.” She added: “He knows his offending behaviour is wrong. He has been deeply affected by the time he has spent in custody."

The court heard Sewell was remanded in custody having previously breached the terms of his bail. Judge Forrester was satisfied the sex offenders’ treatment programme work would be the most effective punishment for Sewell.

"If I were to suspend the prison sentence for the maximum of two years, that would not give sufficient time for that to be completed,” she said.