DOMINIC BOWKETT CAUGHT IN EAST DULWICH AFTER SALFORD SCHOOLGIRL'S QUICK THINKING

In a case that highlights the importance of vigilance and quick action, a young girl from Salford played a crucial role in bringing a dangerous sex offender to justice. During her walk home from school in Pendlebury, Salford, in January 2010, she noticed suspicious behavior from a man driving past her and her companion. Concerned about his conduct, she took the initiative to write down the vehicle's registration number on her hand, a decision that would prove pivotal in the subsequent investigation.

After returning home, she informed her mother about the incident, and the authorities were promptly notified through the school. The police responded swiftly, leading to the arrest of the individual involved. The suspect, identified as Dominic Bowkett, aged 28, was found to have a troubling history. At the time of his arrest, Bowkett was residing in East Dulwich, London, but he was previously known to have lived in Chorlton.

Following his arrest, law enforcement officers seized his computer, laptop, and mobile phone for detailed analysis. The forensic examination revealed a disturbing collection of illegal material. His computer contained 189 indecent images of children, while his mobile device held an additional 162 such images. These findings underscored the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed to society.

Bowkett faced multiple charges, including 22 counts of making and possessing indecent images of children and four counts of possessing extreme pornography. His trial, held in June at Manchester Crown Court, resulted in a guilty verdict on all counts. Subsequently, he was sentenced in September 2011 to a ten-month prison term, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for a decade, a measure aimed at monitoring his activities and preventing further offenses.

Detective Constable Joseph Ghigi, who works with Salford CID, emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “This is not a victimless crime as each indecent image represents a child that has been abused so that image can exist. Those who access and download indecent images are just as responsible as those abusing the children so by ensuring that someone like Bowkett is put in front of a court we are tackling the wider problem of child abuse.”

He also praised the young girl’s quick thinking, noting, “Particular praise must go to the girl who thought quickly enough to write his registration number down. Thanks to her we have seen that Bowkett faces justice.” This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the critical role that witnesses and victims can play in combating child exploitation and abuse.