Shane Fairweather

Shane Fairweather, a 35-year-old man from Accrington, Lancashire, was sentenced to six years in prison at Preston Crown Court for a series of historic sexual offences against two boys and a girl. The offences, which included multiple rapes of the boys and sexual abuse of the girl, occurred between 2002 and 2006 when Fairweather himself was a teenager. The case came to light after the female victim, now an adult, reported the abuse to Lancashire Police, prompting an investigation that uncovered similar accounts from the male victims.

During the offences, Fairweather preyed on his younger victims, using threats to silence them. The victims described to police how Fairweather warned them they would 'get into trouble' if they told anyone about what he was doing. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Ian Unsworth highlighted the gravity of one incident, stating: 'You threatened him. He clearly did not want to do so and protested, but you ignored him for your own sexual gratification.' The judge noted that Fairweather's age at the time of the offences—under 18—meant the maximum available sentence was considered in line with what would have applied had he been prosecuted shortly after, around 2007, describing it as a 'grave crime' warranting detention.

Fairweather pleaded guilty to the charges. He must serve two-thirds of his six-year sentence before being eligible for release and will be subject to sex offender notification requirements for life. Indefinite restraining orders were also imposed to protect the three victims, whose identities remain protected by law. Detective Constable Tom Farrell of Lancashire Police's East CID praised the victims' bravery in coming forward, saying: 'They were just children when Fairweather carried out his abuse, and although I know this will have had a significant impact on them throughout their lives, I hope they can now begin to move forward knowing that he has been brought to justice.' Farrell emphasised that Fairweather, who was older than his victims, abused them for his 'sordid sexual interests' and urged other potential victims to report offences, assuring that all reports are taken seriously.

The case was reported by the Lancashire Telegraph, with details emerging from court proceedings at Preston Crown Court. Lancashire Police led the investigation, confirming the offences took place in the Accrington area.