Predatory paedophile Anthony Shackell from Calcot may never be released from prison

A CONVICTED child rapist has been told he will likely die in prison.

During his trial at Reading Crown Court in July, predatory paedophile Anthony Shackell had appeared to smirk as his victims bravely gave evidence without screens.

At a sentencing hearing at the same court on Friday, October 11, he expressed no remorse.

But he appeared to wipe away a tear as his defence counsel said his advanced age meant “Bullingdon (prison) may be his last home.”

Following his trial the jury convicted the married, 81-year-old former social club secretary, who was living at Mey Close, Calcot, of historic sexual misconduct towards children plus two, more recent, charges involving one girl aged just eight.

Shackell violently raped one of the complainants after threatening her family if she did not comply.

He also raped another female and sexually assaulted an eight-year-old.

The two main complainants, now adults, had eventually contacted one another and went to the police, although an initial investigation resulted in no further action at the time.

But then Shackell sexually assaulted the eight-year-old, who told her father what had happened.

The father reported the matter to police - who then reopened the case, finally resulting in the current convictions.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, one of the complainants said Shackell’s crimes had resulted in “severe consequences” for her education and mental health.

She added: “I have to battle the demons I live with every day.

“I feel he is still winning because he has lived his life while I’m still living in the shadow of his crimes.”

At Friday’s sentencing hearing Simon Molyneux, defending, pointed out that, since his remand in custody in July, Shackell had lost a substantial amount of weight.

He added: “Prison is obviously taking a grave toll on him…I don’t want to make too much of this, but Bullingdon may be his last home; he’s a very frail, elderly gentleman and hopefully the prison staff will look after him as best they can.”

Judge Alan Blake told Shackell: “You might have got away with what you’d done, had your propensity for sexually abusing children not re-emerged.

“Again, you tried to brazen it out but, despite your attempts to mislead the jury, you were convicted.”

Mirroring the wording in the victim impact statement, Judge Blake added: “You’ve had your whole life to live while (your victims) are still living in the shadow of your crimes.

“You preyed upon them for your sexual gratification; I must apply the guidelines imposed by the Sentencing Council.”

Shackell was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment.

At least two-thirds of that must be served behind bars; the remainder would be served on licence in the community.

Given Shackell’s frailty and advanced age should he ever be released, Judge Blake considered a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to be unnecessary.

However he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

As Shackell was led away, Judge Blake said that he hoped the conclusion of the proceedings, and Shackell’s sentence, would help the victims on their healing journey.