A St Helens man was today locked up for 15 years for historical sexual offences.
Stephen Bowden, 61, of Parbold Avenue, was found guilty of offences of rape and indecent assault against several victims and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The majority of the offences took place during the 1970s.
In a victim impact statement, read out to the court, one of his victims said: “Following the abuse I suffered, I have found it hard and had no self-esteem or self-confidence. I find it so hard to communicate with confidence, I hate to be the focus of attention. I found it hard to make friends, I don’t have any close friends.
“Because of what you [Bowden] did, I now find it hard to communicate with others and I am always anxious about what people are going to think of me. I hate to be the focus of attention and don’t like walking into a room with people I don’t know in. I rush and have to push myself to find myself getting to places early just because I don’t want to ask if it okay to sit there.
“You caused all of this, you took all of my confidence and self-esteem away. I can’t believe that I have to go through all the stress and worry of giving evidence in open court, when you could have just admitted your guilt and saved me all this unnecessary stress and worry.”
Detective Inspector Terry Davies said: “Bowden’s victims have shown an immense amount of bravery coming forward. Specially trained officers and lawyers in Merseyside Police’s Unity team have been by their side throughout the investigation and trial to provide support and to ensure their evidence was presented to the court and to see justice being done.
“Time should never be a barrier to obtaining justice and I hope today’s sentence gives his victims some sense of closure and vindicates their decision to come forward.
“ Merseyside Police takes every report of sexual offences extremely seriously, whether or not they are recent, and has dedicated officers within the force’s Unity Team who are specially trained to both thoroughly investigate allegations and make sure that those reporting them are properly supported.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure anyone who has suffered a sexual offence that if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will deal with you sensitively and make sure that reports are properly and thoroughly investigated.”
People can call officers in the force’s specialist Unity team on 0151 777 1382. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/