Convicted paedophile jailed again after convincing three children at Northampton park to let him touch their feet

A convicted Northampton paedophile has been sent back to prison after he coerced three children at a park into letting him touch their feet.

Liam Shields, of Cliftonville, was jailed for seven years in 2012 for 42 charges of grooming children through MSN and Facebook chat.

But in May this year, the 38-year-old targeted three children he spotted at a Northampton park and approached them.

Northampton Crown Court heard yesterday (August 4) how it was there that Shields coerced the three children into taking off their shoes and socks so he could touch their feet.

As part of the sinister offence, Shields manipulated his victims with a game by daring them to take off their footwear, before telling them he wouldn't give their shoes back unless they paddled in some nearby water.

Prosecutor Liam Blackburn told the court: "When one of the children was said no, he pulled her shod foot quite hard as if to take it off. She later said he knew she was scared at what was happening."

However, Shields - who was riding a bicycle at the time of the offending - was photographed by a member of the public prior to his offending because they thought his behaviour was suspicious, which led to his arrest.

On his phone, officers also found downloaded images of children's feet.

Despite his conviction in 2012 and the charges against him, Shields denied that he had any interest in children.

His Honour Judge Rupert Mayo told him: "What I imagine you call a foot fetish this court calls an unattractive and dangerous addiction to sexual flirting with underage children.

"Your pre-sentence report concludes that your risk to children is assessed as high in terms of psychological and emotional harm.

"In my judgement, there is adequate material for me to conclude there is a significant risk of harm to children and members of the public by you further offending."

As a result, Judge Mayo handed Shields an extended sentence in order to protect the public. He will serve 33 months in jail before he is considered for release and will serve an extended 17-month period on license.