DAVID LOWE OF RUGBY SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TWO GIRLS IN THE 1980S AND 90S

In a case that has shocked the community of Rugby, David Lowe, a man aged 60, has been sentenced to a total of 14 years in prison for the sexual abuse of two young girls during the 1980s and 1990s. The offences, which spanned over a decade, involved Lowe engaging in reprehensible acts against one girl when she was under 14 years old in the 1980s, and against another girl when she was under 16 in the 1990s.

Despite denying multiple charges of indecent assault, Lowe was found guilty following a trial at Warwick Crown Court. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing nature of his crimes, which included inappropriate touching and coercing the victims into performing sexual acts. The case was adjourned after the guilty verdicts to allow for a pre-sentence report to be prepared, ensuring that the court could consider all relevant factors before sentencing.

During the sentencing hearing, Lowe was handed two consecutive seven-year sentences—one for each victim—reflecting the severity of his crimes. The judge, Recorder Andrew Smith QC, described Lowe as “an offender of particular concern,” emphasizing the gravity of his actions and the ongoing impact on the victims. As part of his punishment, Lowe will be required to register as a sex offender for life, a measure that underscores the seriousness with which the court views his offences.

Furthermore, Lowe will not be eligible for automatic release after serving half of his sentence. Instead, his release will depend on the Parole Board’s assessment of whether it is safe for him to be freed. Additionally, he will remain on licence for an extra 12 months following his release, ensuring continued supervision and monitoring.

Prosecutor Sally Hancox addressed the jury, stating: “These women have indicated how, when they were younger, he had behaved towards them in a way that is wholly unacceptable and sexual in nature. He behaved towards them in ways they did not want and which is illegal, the way no adult should behave towards any young person.”

Details of the case revealed that Lowe, when left alone with his victims in various circumstances, engaged in sexual touching and coerced them into performing sexual acts on him. The impact of these crimes has been profound, with one victim eventually reporting the abuse to the police as an adult. This led to further investigations, during which officers spoke to other women who had come into contact with Lowe as children.

At the resumed hearing, the court was presented with statements from the two women describing how the abuse had affected their lives. Amy Jacobs, defending Lowe, acknowledged that her client has not fully come to terms with the verdicts but is beginning to accept responsibility for his actions.

In delivering the sentence, Recorder Smith made it clear that Lowe’s offences were committed for his own sexual gratification and that the effects of his actions continue to influence the victims’ lives. The judge expressed his disappointment in Lowe’s apparent lack of genuine remorse, stating, “I detect no real remorse on your behalf.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the lasting damage caused by such predatory behavior and the importance of justice for victims.