Shamus Harte (07/06/1996) Lower Broughton Paedophile, was (Wednesday 16 August 2023) jailed for 12 years at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to the following offences:
- Meeting a child following sexual grooming
- Four counts of making indecent photographs of a child
- Two counts of rape of a child under 13 years of age
- Abduction of a child
- Possession of a bladed article
- Harte was also sentenced for theft and handling stolen goods offences unrelated to this case.
In court, it was revealed that Harte acquired explicit photographs of the young person after interacting with them on social media networks. Furthermore, he would frequently rendezvous with her at Broughton Park, where Shamus Harte would document parts of their interactions using his cell phone.
Shamus Harte was apprehended in March 2022 under the suspicion of engaging with a female minor under the age of 16 after engaging in sexual grooming. Subsequently, in October 2022, he was detained for the abduction of a child and possession of a bladed weapon. Shamus Harte was charged with additional charges of raping a kid under 13 years old and was detained in custody after examining his mobile devices, which contained explicit photographs and recordings of child sexual abuse.
DS Hannah Rudd and PS Camron Pierre, who were part of the Complex Safeguarding Hub during the investigation, expressed their gratitude to the victim, survivor, and her family for their courage, resilience, and determination in pursuing justice and securing a conviction and sentencing.
“While we acknowledge that no passage of time can completely erase the harm inflicted upon her by Shamus Harte, we anticipate that today’s outcome will provide them with some measure of solace, enabling them to come to terms with the events and commence the healing process.”
“This investigation was an extensive and intricate one, in which the City of Manchester Complex Safeguarding Hub (CSH) diligently collected evidence against Harte and ensured his subsequent incarceration.”
“This outcome demonstrates the collaborative efforts of the CSH, social workers, and local council, and we are pleased that Shamus Harte is no longer homeless and poses no further danger to young girls.”
“GMP is dedicated to ensuring that those responsible for these offences are held accountable and would like to urge anyone concerned about a child to step forward.” We will attentively and thoroughly examine each accusation.”
If you or someone you know are concerned about a child’s welfare, you are asked to contact Greater Manchester Police via gmp.police.uk or dial 101. You can also share information anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.
Could you spot a child who is at risk of CSE or CCE?
Spot the signs of child exploitation
- Going missing for periods or regularly returning home late
- skipping school or being disruptive in class
- appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for
- experiencing health problems that may indicate a sexually transmitted infection
- having mood swings and changes in temperament; using drugs and/or alcohol
- displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour, such as over-familiarity with strangers, dressing in a sexualised manner or sending sexualised images by mobile phone (“sexting”)
- increasing their screen time or showing unusual use of online platforms, such as websites, social media, apps or games
- they may also show signs of unexplained physical harm, such as bruising and cigarette burns.
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
- Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester, provides a comprehensive and coordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support, and counselling services for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma-informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.