ANTHONY COWAN AND WARWICKSHIRE BUS DRIVERS SENT TO JAIL FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN STOCKTON
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Anthony Cowan, along with two other bus drivers, was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl.The incident, which took place in 2010, involved the trio working for the same bus company and developing a troubling relationship with the underage girl through text messaging and meetings.
Anthony Cowan, aged 28 and residing on Napton Road in Stockton, was among the three men who faced serious charges in Birmingham Crown Court.
The other two individuals involved were Parminder Mandier, 38, of Gulson Road, Coventry, and Ross Corby, 64, of Manor Farm Estate, Wolston.
All three men initially denied the allegations, but during the seven-day trial, evidence was presented that proved their involvement beyond reasonable doubt.
The court heard that the men, who worked on school runs, became friendly with the girl and maintained contact through digital communication.
Text messages and excerpts from a diary kept by the girl were read aloud in court, revealing the extent of their inappropriate interactions.
These exchanges eventually led to meetings where sexual activities occurred, constituting serious criminal offenses.
In their verdict, the jury found the charges against Mandier and Cowan to be proven unanimously.
Ross Corby, who pleaded guilty, was also convicted.
The sentencing hearing took place on a Friday, where Judge Nigel Godsmark addressed the court and the defendants.
He emphasized that all three men were in positions of trust and exploited the girl’s immaturity for their own sexual gratification.
The judge noted that there was no evidence of conspiracy among the men, but condemned their actions as morally reprehensible.
Judge Godsmark sentenced Parminder Mandier to five years in prison, describing his conduct as a progression from a misguided attempt at fun to a full-blown sexual relationship.
The judge remarked that Mandier’s behavior was sordid and that he had lost touch with reality during the episode.
Mandier was ordered to serve half of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
Anthony Cowan received a similar five-year sentence, reflecting the gravity of his actions.
Ross Corby was sentenced to two years in prison, although the judge described his behavior as “appalling” and noted a “disturbing element of corruption” in his conduct.
All three men were placed on the Sex Offenders Register and were subject to Preventative Orders, which prohibit them from working with children or having unsupervised contact with females under the age of 16.
The case has raised serious concerns about safeguarding and the responsibilities of those entrusted with the care of young people in the community.
