Shannon Donachie

Shannon Donachie, from Ormesby in Middlesbrough, was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court in February 2025 after pleading guilty to assaulting a child by penetration and making an indecent photograph of a child. The offences occurred in 2022, stemming from Donachie's online communications with a man where discussions descended into talk of child abuse.

Prosecutor Shaun Dodds explained that Donachie 'craved' the man's attention after he went silent, leading her to follow his specific instructions to sexually abuse a young child and send a photograph of the act. She engaged in explicit conversations about child abuse prior to committing the assault. Upon arrest by Cleveland Police, Donachie accepted her conduct during a second interview, providing a full admission.

The court heard the devastating impact of Donachie's actions, driven by a desire for validation from an online contact. Judge's sentencing reflected the severity of exploiting a vulnerable child for personal gratification. Cleveland Police's investigation uncovered the digital trail leading to her prosecution, highlighting the role of online platforms in facilitating such crimes. The case illustrates the profound harm caused by individuals who prioritise perverse online interactions over child safety.