MULTIPLE SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING AN 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL.
Christopher Rowbottom, 35, was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court following his conviction on multiple sexual offences involving an 11-year-old girl.The court heard that he had added her on TikTok and engaged with her through various messaging platforms, such as Snapchat, Discord, and Roblox.
The prosecution described how Rowbottom integrated himself into every area of the girl’s life, manipulating her to the point where she believed they had a romantic relationship.
He made explicit sexual remarks about his intentions and called her his "wife." The girl also shared nude images of herself with him.
Hailing from Featherstone in West Yorkshire and working as a warehouse worker, Rowbottom bought curtains for his vehicle to ensure privacy.
He made at least four trips to Leicester to meet the girl, driving to a quiet parking area where he assaulted her inside his car.
During the trial, he was convicted of charges including rape, engaging in sexual communication with a minor, meeting a child for sexual purposes after grooming, digital penetration, and producing indecent images of children.
After his apprehension, Rowbottom declined to answer police questions.
Authorities found and analyzed his electronic devices, uncovering searches that demonstrated a clear interest in children and intentions related to the girl’s virginity.
Judge Tahir Khan KC told Rowbottom that he had become obsessed with the girl despite her being only 11 years old.
The judge pointed out that he called her his "wife" and took advantage of her immaturity, both emotionally and sexually.
Furthermore, he sent her highly sexualized images and traveled multiple times specifically to engage in sexual activities in a parking lot.
The judge emphasized that Rowbottom’s past does not justify his actions.
As a result, he has been placed on the sex offender register for life and is under a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, to protect the public from further offenses.
