Adam Shellard 27

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The actions of two witnesses who reported separate rape disclosures made by different women have led to the man responsible being jailed for more than 17 years.

Adam Shellard was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court after being convicted in August for a total of 10 offences.

Today’s (Friday 31 October) outcome follows a complex and sensitive police investigation which has taken five years to conclude.

Since 2020, specialist detectives have been working tirelessly to gather vital evidence relating to a string of sexual offences committed by the 27-year-old.

This first began after both victim’s confided in two separate people about the abuse they had endured.

Following these disclosures, in July and October of that year, those admissions were reported to police.

Detective Constable Chris Sherwin and Anna Pulsford, from the force’s dedicated rape and serious sexual offences investigation team, were assigned as the officers in the case.

Initial contact was made with the victims to offer support and discuss their options regarding the progression of the case.

Over the course of the next 18 months, DC Sherwin and DC Pulsford worked closely with the women as they undertook the difficult process of reliving the trauma inflicted upon them.

It was established Shellard, of Bosworth Road, Measham, had committed these offences over a five-year period.

During that time, one of the women was subjected to repeated acts of rape, sexual assault, coercion, physical violence, and threatening behaviour.

The second victim was raped multiple times over the course of just over a month.

Due to the strength of the case and the detailed accounts provided by the victims, Shellard was charged in March 2022 with 10 offences.

Six offences – three counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of coercive and controlling behaviour – were against the first woman.

And three counts of rape were against the second woman.

During the investigation, officers also uncovered additional offences involving a person connected to one of the victims. Shellard was subsequently charged with one count of racially aggravated fear or provocation of violence.

Following a trial in August this year, he was found guilty of all crime and was sentenced today to a total of 17 years and seven months.

DC Sherwin said:

“The two women disclosed what Shellard had done to someone they knew, and it was these two people who initially came reported to police. I want to truly thank them for coming forward and alerting police to the horrendous crimes being committed by Shellard.

“The victims in this case have shown so much strength during what has been an extremely difficult and long process. They have wait five years to get justice and their determination to see this through to the end has meant that a dangerous sex offender is now behind bars.

“This case really highlights the importance of the people around us having the courage to make a stance and speak up when. If someone you know is a victim of a crime, don’t stay silent. What you know could be the key to protecting someone’s life or ensuring those who cause the most harm in our communities are held accountable.”