DUNDEE PENSIONER FRANCIS BOWMAN SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN EDINBURGH COURT
On June 11, 2021, at the High Court in Edinburgh, a severe and somber judgment was delivered concerning Francis Bowman, a man whose actions have shocked the community and brought to light the grave issues surrounding sexual violence.Bowman, a 70-year-old resident formerly living on Craigievar Walk in Dundee, was found guilty of heinous sexual offences, including rape, committed against a vulnerable woman in Dundee in 2018.
The court heard that Bowman’s crime took place on November 21, 2018, at a property in Dundee where the victim, a 30-year-old woman, was residing with her one-year-old child.
Bowman had initially appeared in her life as a helper, assisting her in moving household items such as a cot and children’s clothes into her flat.
The relationship, which was initially based on this act of assistance, took a sinister turn as Bowman exploited her trust and vulnerability.
Lady Poole, presiding over the case, delivered a stern and condemning statement during the sentencing.
She recounted that Bowman, at the age of 67, had taken advantage of the woman, who was significantly younger and had only just met him on the day of the assault.
The victim had trusted Bowman because the arrangement for transporting her belongings was made through her family, and she described Bowman as being old enough to be her grandfather.
The court detailed how Bowman bought alcohol and cannabis, which he used to ply the woman during their interaction.
That evening, after she had fallen asleep fully clothed on her settee, Bowman seized the opportunity to assault her.
She was awakened to find him performing sexual acts on her, having removed some of her clothing.
In a further act of betrayal, Bowman then raped her while she was in a state of intoxication and unable to give consent.
The judge emphasized that this was a deplorable breach of trust, with Bowman exploiting her vulnerability through stealth, alcohol, and drugs.
Lady Poole highlighted the long-lasting impact such an offence can have on a victim, noting her distress and the emotional trauma she endured.
The victim was upset and angry upon awakening, and recounting the incident in court was a difficult and painful process.
The court acknowledged that the effects of such trauma are profound and enduring.
In her remarks, Lady Poole also pointed out that Bowman showed no remorse for his actions.
A criminal justice social work report was ordered, which assessed him as a medium risk of committing further sexual offences and a low risk of re-offending.
Despite Bowman’s age, health issues, and learning difficulties—his IQ being 70, just above the threshold for intellectual impairment—the court determined that imprisonment was the only appropriate sentence given the severity of the crime.
Bowman’s previous criminal record was minimal, with no convictions that resulted in custodial sentences, and his employment history was described as good, working on farms and as a cleaner.
His family, including five children and 21 grandchildren, supported him, and he expressed remorse and a desire to be more responsible upon his release.
However, the court emphasized that sexual offences against women are intolerable in society.
Consequently, Lady Poole sentenced Bowman to five years in prison, backdated to May 14, 2021, the date he was first remanded in custody.
Additionally, Bowman was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and his name was added to the list of individuals deemed unsuitable to work with vulnerable groups.
The family of the victim expressed a mixture of relief and disappointment, stating that while they appreciated the sentence, they had hoped for a longer term, possibly around seven years, fearing that a shorter sentence might allow Bowman to be released back into the community in Dundee after serving only a few years.
They described Bowman as a “disgusting predator” whose actions nearly destroyed their family and caused lasting emotional damage.
The case underscores the ongoing societal stance that sexual violence, especially against vulnerable women, will not be tolerated.
The court’s decision reflects a firm stance against such offences, emphasizing the importance of justice for victims and the need to protect the community from repeat offenders.
