IAN HOWARD FROM MIDDLETON JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN ROCHDALE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Middleton, Ian Howard, aged 43, has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual assaults committed against a young girl during the 1990s. Howard, who resided on Rochdale Road in Middleton, was found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault, and his actions have left a lasting scar on his victim, who was a minor at the time of the abuse.

Howard, a former funeral director and amateur photographer, was brought before Bolton Crown Court to face justice for his crimes. The court heard that the assaults took place over a span of four years, during which the young girl, now an adult, endured repeated episodes of sexual abuse. The victim, who was unable to be named for legal reasons, was visibly emotional in the courtroom, sitting in the public gallery as the verdict was delivered.

Judge Lesley Newton presided over the case and described the impact of Howard’s actions as profoundly damaging. She stated, “The effect on the victim has been appalling. Like so many other children in her position, she has lived with feelings of guilt and shame. She has suffered mental health problems and even attempted to take her own life.” The judge’s words underscored the severity of the trauma inflicted upon the victim.

Following the sentencing, the judge addressed the victim directly, offering words of reassurance: “This is not your fault, and I hope this verdict will help you to begin to put some of this behind you.”

During the court proceedings on Wednesday, January 9, the prosecution detailed the disturbing nature of the assaults. It was revealed that Howard would get into bed with the girl, who would pretend to sleep, while he would wear only his boxer shorts before subjecting her to indecent acts. These assaults reportedly occurred regularly over a four-year period, causing immense psychological harm to the victim.

Prosecutor Peter Cadwallader explained that after the final incident, the girl struggled with feelings of guilt, believing she was at fault. She sought psychiatric help and even attempted suicide, all of which were linked to the abuse she suffered at Howard’s hands. Howard, who had previously admitted to the charges, chose only to confirm his name during the court hearing.

Howard’s defense lawyer, Raquele Simpson, expressed remorse on his behalf, stating that he was truly sorry for his actions and recognized the need for punishment. She emphasized that Howard had lost everything—his job as a funeral director and his marriage—due to his criminal behavior.

In sentencing, Judge Newton imposed a total of four years in prison, with two years to be served behind bars and the remaining two on license in the community. Additionally, Howard was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. The judge acknowledged that Howard’s guilty plea had spared the victim the ordeal of testifying in court, and noted his lack of prior convictions and apparent remorse. However, she emphasized that the gravity and repeated nature of his crimes necessitated a custodial sentence.

As Howard was taken down to begin his sentence, the courtroom erupted in angry scenes from a packed public gallery, reflecting the community’s outrage and condemnation of his actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims.