JOHN HOWARD SENTENCED IN READING AND PETERBOROUGH FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE

In a case that has spanned decades, John Howard, a 55-year-old former DJ now residing in Peterborough, was sentenced on Friday for a series of serious child sexual abuse offenses. The crimes, which involved a staggering total of approximately 200 incidents, targeted boys aged between 12 and 14 years old. These offenses occurred during the early 1990s, specifically between September 1990 and May 1993, when Howard was in his early thirties and working professionally as a DJ.

Howard admitted to seven specific charges related to these incidents, which took place in the towns of Reading and Langley, near Slough. The prosecution, led by Simon Heptonstall, highlighted that the victims were pre-pubescent at the time the abuse began, emphasizing that they were not emotionally or physically prepared for such sexual activities. The court heard that the abuse was both prolonged and systematic, with the victims being subjected to repeated acts over a span of nearly three years.

During the court proceedings, Gudrun Young, representing Howard, provided context about her client’s background, revealing that Howard himself had been a victim of sexual abuse in his past. She argued that this history might have contributed to his behavior, describing it as “somewhat normalized” within his personal experience. Ms. Young also pointed out that none of the victims had expressed a desire to press charges or see Howard imprisoned, suggesting a complex dynamic possibly influenced by the grooming process. She clarified that there was no evidence of threats, coercion, or force used to silence the victims, and that they were not under any legal injunction preventing them from speaking out.

Howard reportedly expressed deep remorse for his actions and lived with the knowledge that his past deeds could eventually come to light, describing his feelings as living “with a sword of Damocles.” Despite his remorse, the court acknowledged the potential harm caused to the victims and the importance of justice. Judge Stephen John commented on the case, noting that if these offenses had been committed in the present day, Howard might have faced a maximum sentence of ten years. However, given the legal standards of the early 1990s, the maximum penalty at the time was only two years. The judge also took into account Howard’s residence at Sayers Court, Orton, Goldhay, and the fact that the victims were reluctant to see him in custody.

In sentencing, Howard received a total of 16 months for each of the charges related to three of the boys, and an additional 12 months for the single charge involving the fourth boy. These sentences are to be served consecutively, resulting in a total imprisonment period of five years. The court’s decision reflects both the severity of the crimes and the context of the time when they were committed.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Stuart May, who led the investigation, commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward after so many years. He emphasized that Thames Valley Police and the Crown Prosecution Service take all reports of sexual abuse seriously, regardless of how much time has passed since the offenses occurred. Detective May reaffirmed the commitment of law enforcement to thoroughly investigate such cases and to ensure that offenders like Howard are held accountable for their actions.