Man (47) Jailed 17 Years For Sex Offences

Friday, 4 August 2023 16:38

Shay John Edward Bester has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for a string of serious crimes.

The 47-year-old was found guilty of several offences including rape, trafficking and impersonating an officer in May 2023.

It comes after he was arrested for grooming a young woman online before encouraging her to visit Jersey in November 2021.

Once she arrived, it took several days until police were alerted to a domestic incident at Bester's address.

The young female disclosed the sexual and physical abuse she had endured to officers leading to his arrest.

States of Jersey Police seized a number of the 47-year-old devices for evidence.

Whilst under investigation, Best sent a text to his victim, using a new phone, pretending to be a police officer.

Detective Constable Charles Vibert says Bester targeted a vulnerable young female so that he could fulfil his sexual fantasies.

"We are committed to investigating and prosecuting all sexual offenders and want to assure victims that there are a number of agencies who are able to offer support and guidance through all stages of the criminal justice process.

"We continue to work alongside partners, especially support and advocacy services such as the SARC, Jersey Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support (JDAS), JAAR (Jersey Action Against Rape) and the Jersey Women’s Refuge, to encourage victims of sexual crime to report such incidents. It is important that people know that they can contact these services for advice, and support, without an obligation to pursue a criminal investigation."