October 2002 Grandfather jailed for child abuse AN IPSWICH grandfather, who sexually abused a four-year-old girl and her sister has been jailed. John Howlett, 65, of Lanercost Way, pleaded guilty to two offences of indecent assault. Ipswich Crown Court heard that Howlett kissed the girl and forced her to commit an indecent act. The court heard that the offences were committed during the 1970s and only came to light when the girl, now a grown woman, became upset while watching a television programme about child abuse. Her sister comforted the woman and said she understood why she was upset because she had also been sexually abused by Howlett. Judge Gareth Hawkesworth said although Howlett was a man of previous good character, “these were wicked offences and an appalling breach of trust.” Howlett was jailed for nine months and put on an extended licence for three years. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’register.