Anthony Shackell

Anthony Shackell, an 81-year-old resident of Mey Close in Calcot, Berkshire, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for a series of child sexual offences spanning decades. The case came to light following reports in the Newbury Weekly News last October, highlighting Shackell's predatory behaviour towards children.

Shackell faced charges including historic sexual misconduct towards children, as well as two more recent offences involving a girl aged just eight. Despite denying the allegations, Shackell was convicted by a jury at Reading Crown Court, who saw through his attempts to mislead them. The offences involved Shackell preying upon young victims for his sexual gratification, causing lasting trauma as evidenced by a poignant victim impact statement read in court.

• One complainant described the severe consequences of Shackell's crimes on her education and mental health, stating: "I have to battle the demons I live with every day. I feel he is still winning because he has lived his life while I’m still living in the shadow of his crimes."
• Judge Alan Blake echoed this sentiment during sentencing, telling Shackell: "You’ve had your whole life to live while [your victims] are still living in the shadow of your crimes. You preyed upon them for your sexual gratification; I must apply the guidelines imposed by the Sentencing Council."

Shackell's defence counsel, Simon Molyneux, acknowledged the toll prison was taking on the frail elderly man, noting: "Prison is obviously taking a grave toll on him… I don’t want to make too much of this, but Bullingdon may be his last home; he’s a very frail, elderly gentleman and hopefully the prison staff will look after him as best they can." Shackell showed no remorse for his victims, forcing them to give evidence due to his denials, though he appeared emotional during the hearing.

Tragically, the prediction proved accurate when Shackell died in custody at HMP Bullingdon in Oxfordshire on Thursday, 16 October 2025. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death, with the probe currently in progress as announced on their website. The case was investigated by Thames Valley Police, whose custody photo of Shackell was released in connection with the proceedings.

This conviction underscores the long-reaching impact of child sexual abuse, with Shackell's re-emergence as a predator after years of apparent dormancy leading to his eventual downfall. Sources: Newbury Today, 4 November 2025; Prisons and Probation Ombudsman announcement.