Shawn Bennett Found Guilty of Multiple Sex Offences and Sentenced to 30 Years

Shawn Bennett, 29, of Gilbert Road, Smethwick, was found unanimously guilty by the jury at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday, June 6, of two counts of rape including rape of a girl under 16-years-old, eight counts of sexual offences, two counts of assault, theft and a threat to kill.

On the afternoon of Monday, October 22, 2018, Bennett held a woman at knifepoint in her home in Redditch and assaulted and raped her. Later that afternoon, he followed a 14-year-old girl leaving a bus in Redditch, pulling her into the bushes where he assaulted, raped, and threatened to kill her.

In the evening, Bennett travelled to Rubery, where he made inappropriate suggestions to two women and attempted to drag them both into undergrowth. He was apprehended by officers at the scene of this final attack.

Bennett was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with a minimum of 16 years to be served. He must also sign the sex offenders register.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Bailey from West Mercia Police said: "Bennett is an extremely dangerous sex offender who spent the day of Monday, October 22 carrying out these horrific crimes."