DANNY OWEN FROM LISKEARD FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST FOUR GIRLS IN DEVON AND CORNWALL

In a significant case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Liskeard and the surrounding areas, Danny Owen, aged 47, has been convicted of multiple serious sexual offences committed against four young girls over a span of several years. The lengthy trial, held at Truro Crown Court, culminated in a jury verdict after three weeks of intense deliberation.

Owen faced a total of 24 charges, which included 11 counts of indecent assault, seven charges of indecency with a child under the age of 13, two counts of child rape, and four sexual assault charges involving a girl under 13. These allegations were linked to four different female victims, each of whom endured a traumatic history of abuse at the hands of Owen. Despite the extensive nature of the charges, the jury found Owen not guilty of four rape counts and one sexual assault involving two other complainants, indicating that the evidence did not meet the threshold for conviction on those specific charges.

Following the jury’s verdict, Judge Robert Linford addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of Owen’s crimes. He stated that Owen, who was employed at various local shops including Woolworths and Morrisons, faces an “immediate and substantial prison sentence.” The judge also warned the community about the dangers posed by individuals like Owen, remarking, “If people behave in this way they’ll never be safe. One day the knock on the door will come.”

Owen was remanded into custody pending his sentencing, scheduled for March 27. In the meantime, a dangerousness assessment will be conducted to evaluate the risk he poses to the public. The court proceedings also included a discussion of Owen’s employment history, which involved working at several retail outlets around Liskeard, possibly providing him with opportunities to exploit vulnerable children.

Rachel Drake, representing the prosecution, opened the case by highlighting Owen’s disturbing sexual interest in pre-pubescent girls. She explained that Owen “has always had a sexual interest in pre-pubescent girls” and accused him of exploiting opportunities to sexually abuse younger females from an early age. Ms Drake detailed the allegations against each of the victims, painting a disturbing picture of ongoing abuse.

The first complainant, who was raped and abused by Owen until she was 13, initially felt unable to speak out despite recognizing the wrongfulness of his actions. It was only years later, after Owen contacted her via a dating website, that she was prompted to report the abuse to the police, providing screenshots of the messages as evidence.

The second victim, aged 12 at the time of the assault, claimed that Owen, then 18 or 19, raped her at a party. She admitted to being too frightened to tell her mother immediately and only came forward with her allegations in her twenties.

The third complainant, who was between nine and ten years old, described a pattern of routine sexual abuse by Owen, including touching her genitals and forcing her to touch his penis. Her testimony revealed the extent of Owen’s predatory behavior.

It was also noted that at least one victim came forward after another individual posted a social media status accusing Owen of being a paedophile. This online activity prompted the police to reach out to other potential victims, leading to the investigation and subsequent charges.

Owen’s case has highlighted the importance of vigilance and the need for robust safeguarding measures to protect children from predators operating within communities. The court’s decision marks a significant step in delivering justice for the victims and underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals with such dangerous and inappropriate sexual interests.