Today [Wednesday 3 May 2023], the Royal Court found 47-year-old Shay John Edward Bester guilty of rape and other sexual offences following a six day trial. He will be sentenced later in the year.
In November 2021 a vulnerable young female, who had been groomed online, travelled to Jersey, after Bester had arranged for her to come and stay with him. After several days at his address a domestic report was made to police and the victim disclosed that sexual and physical assaults had happened since her arrival in Jersey. Bester was arrested and a number of his devices were seized. The female visited the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Dewberry House before returning to her family.
Whilst under investigation, Bester sent a text to the victim, using a new phone and pretending to be a police officer.
Detective Constable Charles Vibert said: “Shay Bester is a sexual predator, who targeted a vulnerable young female, in order that he could fulfil his own sexual fantasies. The journey that the victim has been through in the lead up to this trial, has been challenging, and our thoughts go out to her and her family. I hope that today’s guilty verdict, will offer them a degree of closure which will help them to rebuild their lives. The victim has been supported throughout this process, by experienced support workers from Jersey Domestic Abuse Support, and police colleagues in the UK.
“The States of Jersey Police 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, 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.”
The updated Sexual Offences (Jersey) Law, which came into force in 2018, provides greater protection for victims and clarifies the law on consent.
The SARC at Dewberry House provides expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. The Centre comprises of a team of experts with a wealth of knowledge and experience in advising, supporting and treating anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. They can be reached on 01534 888222.
Jersey Domestic Abuse Support (JDAS) protect and support victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Their qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA's) provide support and advice to develop long-term safety solutions for men, women and their families. They can be reached on 01534 880505.
There are several local agencies that offer advice and support:
The SARC at Dewberry House provide expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 888222.
Jersey Domestic Abuse Support (JDAS) is an independent service developed to protect and support victims of domestic abuse, who are at risk of significant harm. Tel: 01534 880505.
Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) provide and maintain a supporting framework for survivors and their families. Tel: 01534 482801.
Jersey Women’s Refuge offer help and support for victims of domestic abuse. Tel: 0800 7356836.
Victims First Jersey is a free and independent service offering confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime. Call 0800 7351612.
