GARY OWEN FROM CHILDWALL AND STOCKBRIDGE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Childwall and Stockbridge, Gary Owen, aged 52, has been convicted and sentenced for heinous acts of child sexual abuse and possession of indecent images of children. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of predatory behavior spanning several years, with Owen abusing multiple young girls at various locations, including an address in Childwall where the victims were staying as guests.

Owen’s criminal history is extensive, with nine previous convictions dating back to 1981, including offenses such as burglary, theft, criminal damage, assault causing actual bodily harm, and harassment. Despite his lengthy criminal record, his latest offenses have brought renewed attention to his dangerous behavior. The court heard that Owen, who resided on Larch Road in Birkenhead and was formerly from Mosscraig, Stockbridge Village, was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault and also pleaded guilty to possessing 53 indecent images of children. These images ranged from low to the most severe categories, with some classified as category four and five, indicating highly explicit material.

In January 2011, Owen was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for his crimes. The assaults took place over a three-year period, with the victims being young girls who were staying at his residence. During the trial, it was revealed that Owen had manipulated and sexually assaulted at least two girls, one of whom was between seven and eight years old. The court heard that Owen had warned one girl that her father might be shot, implying he had connections to individuals capable of violence, and used this threat to intimidate her before assaulting her. On another occasion, he watched a film with a girl before taking her aside and sexually assaulting her, further demonstrating his predatory tactics.

One of the victims, who later confided in her parents, described how her behavior changed dramatically after the assaults. She became withdrawn, cut herself off from friends, and her academic performance suffered. She also experienced severe depression, with a doctor noting her suicidal thoughts, saying, “I would never do anything to hurt myself, but sometimes I wish I wasn’t here.” The impact of Owen’s abuse was profound and long-lasting, and the court acknowledged that his actions would continue to have psychological effects on his victims.

Despite the overwhelming evidence and the severity of his crimes, Owen maintained his innocence, denying all allegations. The court was informed that he refused to accept responsibility and continued to assert that he was the victim, citing a diagnosis of depression as a justification for his behavior. The judge, Graham Morrow, QC, expressed concern over Owen’s lack of remorse and his continued denial of the offenses.

Judge Morrow emphasized the seriousness of Owen’s actions, stating that his abuse had caused significant psychological harm to his victims. He ordered Owen to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and imposed a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order to restrict his future conduct. Owen, who appeared in court wearing a blue t-shirt and adorned with a gold cross and chain, showed no emotion during sentencing. He acknowledged supporters in the public gallery with a wave as he was led away to begin his sentence.

In addition to his prison term, Owen was also subjected to a three-year extension of his license upon release, reflecting the court’s assessment of the ongoing risk he poses to the community. The court’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding children from individuals like Owen, whose predatory behavior has caused irreparable harm to vulnerable victims and who continues to deny his culpability despite overwhelming evidence.