DEAN HOWDEN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN GRIMSBY AND SOUTHAMPTON
In a case that has shocked the communities of Grimsby and Southampton, Dean Howden, a 40-year-old man, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for the sexual abuse of two vulnerable young girls.The court proceedings revealed a series of disturbing offenses committed by Howden, who previously resided in Grimsby but had recently moved to Southampton.
During the trial at Grimsby Crown Court, it was disclosed that Howden had engaged in indecent acts with one of the girls over an extended period, taking advantage of her troubled and vulnerable state.
He also admitted to sexual activity with the second girl and to sexually assaulting her.
The court heard that these heinous acts took place within the geographical confines of Grimsby and Cleethorpes, areas known for their tight-knit communities but now marred by this disturbing case.
Prosecutor Patrick Palmer detailed the gravity of Howden’s actions, emphasizing that he exploited the vulnerabilities of the girls, who were unable to fully defend themselves.
The court was told that Howden’s conduct was calculated and cynical, with the offender attempting to manipulate the legal process by initially trying to change his plea from guilty to not guilty.
This tactic was intended to cause additional distress to the victims, who had already endured significant trauma.
Defense attorney Richard Germain acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses but pointed out that Howden had no prior criminal record and argued that he deserved to face the consequences of his actions.
It was also noted that by pleading guilty, Howden spared the victims the ordeal of testifying in court, which was seen as a mitigating factor.
Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, presiding over the case, sentenced Howden to a substantial term of seven and a half years.
The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, “You sexually abused two young and vulnerable girls.” He highlighted that while there were “limited threats” involved in the case of the first girl, some of her actions could be interpreted as consensual, but Howden’s exploitation was undeniable.
Furthermore, the judge refused to allow Howden to retract his guilty plea, dismissing most of his claims that he had been misadvised by his previous legal team, which included barrister Andrew Bailey.
Several individuals involved in the case were required to give evidence during a special hearing to clarify these issues.
Following the sentencing, one of the victims expressed relief and a sense of closure, stating, “It was the best sentence he could have got.
It was the maximum he could have been given for the charges because it was a plea bargain.
I am just glad it is all over now.
It has taken a long time but we got there in the end.
He is going to be on the sex offenders’ register so I know he is never going to be working with kids.”
