Man Jailed for Abducting and Raping Girl He Groomed on Xbox

Shaun Davies, 28, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for abducting and raping a 14-year-old girl after grooming her on Xbox.

Davies, of Greenway, Brockworth, pleaded guilty to the offenses, which occurred on July 27, 2021, in Derby. He initially denied the charges but changed his plea after the victim testified on the first day of his trial.

The court heard that Davies had worked for Stroud District Council, but he resigned last week. However, the council clarified that he was employed through an agency and not directly by them.

Prosecutor Ian Fenny outlined how Davies had groomed the girl over Xbox, ultimately taking advantage of her youth and innocence.

"The victim felt she was getting closer to Davies and she felt he wanted to be with her," Mr. Fenny stated.

On July 27, 2021, Davies took the girl from her home, telling her they were going to Leeds to look at a plot of land. He prevented her from contacting her family and drove to isolated spots in Derby, where he sexually assaulted her.

The victim's family raised the alarm, and Davies was apprehended by police in Greater Manchester. The girl was returned to her family and subsequently underwent tests confirming the assault.

The victim shared her harrowing experience in a statement, expressing the profound impact the events had on her life.

"I shall never forget the day Davies took me," she said. "He had his hand on my lap all the time we were travelling, he spoke to me in a particular way. When we had sex I don't know why he didn't stop when I said no. What he physically did to me hurt me greatly. That was the worst thing that ever happened to me. I've had difficulty sleeping. I've tried really hard not to think about what's happened. I have suffered from nightmares ever since. This whole episode has made me feel lonely and sad."

Judge Ian Lawrie KC condemned Davies' actions, highlighting the calculated nature of his grooming and the devastating impact on the victim.

"You embarked on a carefully contrived and calculated process of grooming," Judge Lawrie said. "You took advantage of her youth and ignorance. It's hard to understand why you did what you did, but there can be no excuses for your actions, which were based on lust and desire. You were reluctant to show any remorse, until your victim had given evidence at your trial, when you pleaded guilty. Your sexual activity and the abduction of this girl has come at a heavy price as you will not be eligible for parole until you've served at least two thirds of your sentence."

In addition to his prison sentence, Davies was given a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, registered as a sex offender, and ordered to pay a £190 surcharge.