A PAEDOPHILE, who “took everything away” from his victim, has been jailed after a campaign of sexual abuse.
Martin Cowley, 70, appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday (August 6), to be sentenced for 14 counts of indecent assault against a young teenage girl under 16, which took place across a two-year period in the 1990s.
The victim, who is now in her 40s, became emotional as she told the court how the abuse had continued to have a profound impact on her.
Victim’s statement
“He took everything away from me,” she told the court. “I lost self-respect, innocence and trust.
“There have been days where not waking up anymore would have been preferable.
“I have a fear of sleeping because I have nightmares.
“Nothing can take away the trauma caused by Martin. No prison sentence will ever reflect what I’ve had to go through.”
At a trial in May, it was explained that Cowley, now of Checketts Close, Pinvin, had started with “innocuous” but “inappropriate” behaviour towards the girl, which soon escalated.
The offences, which took place regularly throughout the two years, went on to involve various forms of sexual abuse both over and under clothing.
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‘Very serious’ impact
The victim praised her school friends for helping her at the time and reporting what was happening to a teacher. A report was then made to the police, but the girl found it too difficult to explain Cowley’s actions in detail, and no further action was taken.
Later in life, she attempted to make a report “loads” of times, but it wasn’t until 2023 when she finally found the courage to write everything down and contact police again.
She told the court that she believes she “let herself down” by not feeling able to report the abuse sooner.
“I still feel I let myself down,” she said. “I should have screamed and shouted.”
Sentencing, Recorder Williams KC said that the psychological harm to the victim had been “very serious”.
While Cowley has no other convictions, the judge said he had not shown any remorse and continued to deny the offences.
“Your offending had a profound impact on the victim,” he said. “I am entirely satisfied that the psychological harm has been and remains very serious.
“I note not only do you fail to express any remorse but you continue to deny, and suggest there may be some ulterior motive.”
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Prison sentence
Cowley was sentenced to a total of 11 years and nine months in prison.
That includes consecutive sentences of seven years and six months, and four years and three months for the two primary offences.
For the remaining 12 offences, Cowley received prison sentences varying in length from four months to four years, each of which will run concurrently to the primary sentences.
He is also subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his ability to have contact with children, and a restraining order which prevents contact with his victim for 15 years.
