BRIAN MCDOWELL, THE BLURTON SEX OFFENDER, SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR MULTIPLE CHILD SEX CRIMES

In April 2017, Brian McDowell, a 61-year-old man from Blurton, was sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of attempting to rape two young girls. The disturbing case revealed a pattern of sexual offenses committed by McDowell over a span of four years, targeting two victims and also involving a third girl in sexual abuse. The severity of his crimes and the impact on the victims have led to a significant custodial sentence and lifelong registration as a sex offender.

McDowell’s criminal activities came to light when one of the young girls confided in her school teacher about being assaulted. This disclosure prompted an investigation by the authorities, during which McDowell admitted to a total of 17 sexual offenses. The court proceedings detailed the extent of his misconduct, which included four attempted rapes of a girl under the age of 13, two attempted rapes, six sexual assaults, three sexual assaults of a child under 13, and two assaults involving penetration of a child under 13. Additionally, McDowell requested that a further sexual assault offense against a child under 13 be taken into consideration during sentencing.

The court heard how the victims have been profoundly affected by McDowell’s actions, suffering lasting emotional and psychological harm. McDowell, who resides on Meaford Drive in Blurton, pleaded guilty to all charges. His criminal history includes a previous conviction for indecent assault against two girls in the early 1990s, highlighting a troubling pattern of behavior.

Judge David Fletcher presided over the case at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. In his sentencing remarks, he emphasized the gravity of McDowell’s offenses, stating, “This is the second time in your life that you have been convicted of sexually abusing children. You were sent to prison in 1993 for similar type offences. You have completely and utterly wrecked and destroyed your victims’ innocence.”

As part of his sentence, McDowell was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for the remainder of his life. The judge also ordered that McDowell serve half of his nine-year sentence in custody, with the remaining time to be served on license, ensuring ongoing supervision and restrictions to prevent further harm.