DAVID BOWERY FROM MELTON CONSTABLE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN NORWICH

In a case that has left a lasting impact on a young victim, David Bowery, a man from Melton Constable, was sentenced for a serious sexual assault that occurred in December 2017. The incident took place in Norwich, where the victim, a 13-year-old girl at the time, was subjected to a distressing attack that would profoundly affect her mental health and daily life.

According to court proceedings, the young girl was horrified when she found herself the target of Bowery’s assault. She immediately told him to “get off,” indicating her clear distress and resistance during the attack. Following the incident, she managed to escape and later confided in her parents about what had happened. Her disclosure marked the beginning of a legal process that would reveal the severe psychological toll the assault had taken on her.

Prosecutor Claire Matthews presented an impact statement from the victim, emphasizing the deep and lasting effects of the trauma. The girl has since been referred to mental health professionals and has received treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Her condition has necessitated significant lifestyle adjustments, including sleeping with the doors open and lights on, a stark contrast to her previous routines. The trauma was so overwhelming that she even attempted to overdose in the lead-up to a scheduled trial, illustrating the profound emotional distress she endured.

Bowery, who was 33 years old at the time of the assault and is now 35, appeared before Norwich Crown Court for sentencing on April 28. He had previously admitted to the offence. The hearing was conducted remotely via Skype due to the ongoing coronavirus lockdown. Judge Andrew Shaw acknowledged the severity of the crime, describing the attack as having a “profound” impact on the victim. The judge emphasized that there was “no doubt in my mind what you did caused her to suffer severe psychological harm.”

Furthermore, Judge Shaw characterized Bowery as a “dangerous” individual, citing the high risk he posed of committing further sexual offences against children in the future. As part of his sentence, Bowery received an extended term of seven years and four months, comprising four years and four months in custody and an additional three years on extended licence. This extended sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions and the potential threat he poses to the community.

In mitigation, Andrew Oliver, representing Bowery, who has a criminal record with 17 previous convictions for 24 offences, expressed remorse on his client’s behalf. Bowery himself conveyed to probation that he could not remember the incident, although his lawyer acknowledged that he might prefer not to recall what he had done. Notably, Bowery has no prior convictions related to sexual offences.

In addition to his custodial sentence, Bowery was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and was placed on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period. These measures aim to prevent any future harm and monitor his activities moving forward, underscoring the gravity of his crime and the ongoing concern for public safety.