Took indecent images of a 10-year-old girl and molested a six-year-old.

Pervert Jailed for Abusing 10-Year-Old Girl and Past Sex Assault

John Shannon, 58, from Southampton, has been sentenced to five years and six months in prison for a series of child sex offenses. The crimes included the sexual assault of a six-year-old girl in 2010 and taking indecent images of a 10-year-old girl in Swindon.

Shannon was caught when the National Crime Agency (NCA) identified the victim of the 2010 assault. Investigations led to the discovery of child abuse material on Shannon's phone and laptop, including a category A video and 13 category C images. The 10-year-old girl in the images has been identified and safeguarded.

The New Milton Advertiser and Lymington Times reported that some of the indecent images were taken at a location in Swindon. The investigation found Shannon had attended a party at the address and stayed overnight before recording the images on his phone. Investigators were able to confirm Shannon was in the photos and had taken them himself.

Shannon was re-arrested in December 2022 and charged with additional offenses. He pleaded guilty to all charges. As part of his sentence, Shannon will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Graham Clare of the NCA praised the bravery of the victims in speaking out against Shannon. He emphasized the NCA's commitment to protecting the public, particularly children, and bringing perpetrators of child abuse to justice.