Neil James Shaw

Neil James Shaw, a 37-year-old man from Chester, has been jailed again for attempting to contact his rape victim shortly after his release from prison. Previously convicted of serious sexual offences, Shaw's latest breach of a restraining order has led to further incarceration, highlighting ongoing risks posed by sex offenders on licence.

In June 2018, Shaw was found guilty at Chester Crown Court of rape, common assault, putting a person in fear of violence, and engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour. The court heard that Shaw had raped his victim during what began as consensual sex by refusing to stop despite her becoming upset and explicitly telling him 'no' and to 'stop'. Following the assault, he callously remarked, 'It’s not rape if it’s your bird.' For these crimes, Shaw was sentenced to eight years in prison and placed on the sex offenders' register for life. He also breached a restraining order at that time.

Released from prison in December 2021 to serve the remainder of his sentence on licence, Shaw was residing in London Road, Sandbach. However, within weeks of his release, on 4 February 2022, he attempted to contact his victim by sending her a friend request on Facebook. This action violated an indefinite restraining order that prohibited any contact with her. The breach was reported to police by the victim, who described in a court statement the significant impact it had, including fears that Shaw might visit her home, causing her further distress and anxiety.

On 14 April 2022, at Chester Crown Court, Shaw admitted to the breach. Judge Patrick Thompson sentenced him to 18 months in prison. Following the 2018 conviction, the victim had shared her story publicly, stating: 'If people read this article and are going through what I went through, I hope it gives them the strength to come forward. People will believe you. Nobody should make you feel that low about yourself when they are in the wrong. If I have saved one person by them reading this then that’s more than enough for me.'

Detective Constable Kelly Birch from Chester CID welcomed the sentence, saying: 'I welcome the sentence handed to Shaw and I hope that it acts as a warning to others. Shaw was well aware of the restrictions against him yet despite this he still tried to contact his victim via Facebook, causing her further unnecessary distress and anxiety. Thankfully the victim had the courage to come forward and report the breach to police, and as a result Shaw is now back behind bars.' This case, reported by the Chester and District Standard on 20 April 2022, underscores the importance of vigilance in monitoring released offenders and the bravery of victims in reporting violations.