5 years for kidnapper of Taunton Girl
Lee Shiers, 36 was today sentenced to over 5 years in prison at Taunton Crown Court. On 18 March, Shiers dragged a 16-year-old girl towards his car as she walked home from an evening with friends in Taunton. The victim was punched repeatedly by Shiers. However she managed to fight him off and run away. Two members of the public who had witnessed the incident drove after her and offered her help.
Detectives quickly identified Shiers as the possible offender. The members of the public helped the victim provided a description of his three-door Renault Megane. Avon & Somerset Police arrested him two days after the incident but he denied being responsible.
A Police investigation then undertook a comprehensive review of CCTV, house to house enquiries and forensic work. Following this investigation Police could prove his involvement. He subsequently admitted attacking the girl to officers before later pleading guilty to kidnap at court.
Shiers had previous convictions for kidnap and GBH.
Recorder Richard Stead jailed him for five years and four months. On his release from prison, he will remain on licence for an extended period of three years. Sentencing Shiers Recorder Stead noted: “Shiers had a history of violent offending towards women and that he “posed a risk of causing harm to the public”.