Shropshire man, 70, jailed for historical sex attacks on boys

Peter Shuker's first victim was only five when he was first started indecently assaulted in the mid-1960s, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sexually abused by Shuker until he was 15, but did not come forward to tell police until 2013 when he was in his 50s, the court was told.

Shuker, of Berriewood Lane, Condover, near Shrewsbury, was found guilty of a total of 17 offences by a jury and jailed for 13 years and six months.

Three other victims, who also cannot be named, came forward to say they had been assaulted by the 70-year-old.

The court heard Shuker took two victims on shooting trips or offered them a ride in his tractor before assaulting them.

Mr Recorder Christopher Millington QC, sentencing Shuker, said: he had "successfully groomed" the boys, with one telling police he had been showered with gifts and "made to feel like a prostitute".

"You have been convicted by a jury of 17 offences of sexual misbehaviour towards four victims," he said.

"You have shown no remorse.

"It is offending that calls for a substantial period of imprisonment."

Shuker was found guilty on nine counts of gross indecency with a child, with the offences dating from 1966 to 2004.

He was also convicted on seven counts of indecent assault, from 1966 to 1987, and another charge of a sexual assault between September 1966 and September 1969.

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Nicola Jackson, of West Mercia Police, said: "The sentencing is the result of a three-year investigation by officers.

"It reflects the serious nature of the offences and I am pleased that justice has been served for his victims.

"I hope that this result encourages other victims to come forward so that those who commit these offences are investigated and held accountable for their actions."

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children praised the bravery of the victims in coming forward.

Spokesman Imthiaz Rehman said: "Shuker cynically manipulated young children before carrying out horrific sexual assaults.

"With this guilty verdict, justice has finally been served after his victims showed tremendous courage in reporting his crimes.

"It is thanks to these victims' bravery in speaking out that Shuker is finally facing the consequences."

He urged other victims of sexual abuse to come forward to the police or call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.