KENNETH FOWLER AND SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN YORKSHIRE
A notorious serial sex offender, Kenneth Stephen Fowler, has been sentenced to over three years in prison for a deeply disturbing assault on a young girl in Yorkshire.Fowler, aged 64 and known to have a long history of sexual offenses, was convicted of luring an infant into a confined space before subjecting her to a horrifying ordeal.
The incident took place on August 6 of this year, when Fowler was significantly intoxicated.
According to court reports, he deliberately enticed a young girl into an enclosed public area.
Once there, he encircled her with his arms and began to touch her in an unnecessary and inappropriate manner, which prosecutors described as 'excessive.' The young victim, who was under the age of 13, was visibly scared, and according to her statement, she felt frozen in fear and did not say anything during the abuse.
Fowler's disturbing actions escalated as he attempted to strip her of her clothing.
He then disrobed himself, revealing his intimate parts, which he proceeded to perform a lewd act in front of her.
An eyewitness, witnessing the scene, noted that Fowler was 'buckling up his trousers' after the assault.
The witness recounted that Fowler, in an aggressive manner, stated that he was 'about to set fire to the place.' This threatening comment led to the situation being resolved and the incident being reported to police authorities.
Subsequent police investigation revealed more troubling evidence.
When authorities searched Fowler’s residence in Knaresborough, they discovered a pair of girl’s knickers among his belongings, adding weight to allegations of previous inappropriate conduct.
Fowler, described as a homeless drifter, was arrested and faced multiple charges.
These included indecent exposure, sexual assault of a child under 13, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Initially denying the charges, Fowler eventually admitted to sexual assault and sexual activity in front of a minor, while the Crown Office formally dropped the indecent exposure charge.
His court appearance was conducted via video link after he was remanded in custody.
During the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Richard Herrmann emphasized that Fowler’s actions inflicted significant distress not only on the young girl but also on her family.
The child's mother described the traumatic aftermath, noting that her daughter has been plagued by nightmares and has become very quiet, unwilling to speak about the incident.
Kenneth Fowler’s criminal record spans over five decades.
He has amassed a total of 104 previous convictions for 223 offenses, many of which involved sexual misconduct.
Eighteen of these convictions relate specifically to sexual offenses, including multiple instances involving indecent exposure in front of children.
His criminal history includes jail sentences in the 1980s for similar indecent exposure with intent to assault and unlawful conduct with underage girls.
Notably, in 1988, he exposed himself to a 13-year-old girl and performed lewd acts in front of two young boys.
His last recorded exposure offense was in 1994, but his pattern of offending persisted, leading to frequent appearances before the courts for offenses such as shoplifting and violent or drunken disorderly conduct.
Of particular note is his conviction in October 2019, when he received a 16-month prison sentence for arson and property damage.
This recent offense was motivated by revenge; Fowler set fire to a charity clothes store for the homeless at the Wesley Centre in Harrogate—a facility that had previously assisted him in overcoming his homelessness.
During that incident, he also shattered a window with a hammer, causing approximately £1,500 in damages, significantly disrupting the operations of the charity.
Defence attorney Brian Russell argued that Fowler’s reversion to such entrenched criminal behavior was inexplicable, especially after a lengthy 30-year hiatus from sexual offending.
However, the court was unequivocal in its judgment that Fowler remains a dangerous individual.
Judge Simon Hickey addressed Fowler directly, condemning his actions and expressing concern over his continued harmful interests in children.
The judge stated: 'At the age of 64, you are still interfering with children… and were touching again an extremely young child.
While heavily intoxicated, you lured this child into the public enclosed space.
She was scared; she froze.' He further emphasized the significant trauma inflicted on the young girl, who was 'in very great distress,' and warned Fowler that his behavior had profoundly changed her life, to the extent that she now secretly stashes toys under her bed to protect herself from predators like him.
The judge characterized Fowler as a person with an 'unhealthy interest in young girls.' As a result of his conviction, Fowler was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
The court ruled that he must serve two-thirds of this sentence before being eligible for release, with the parole board determining when he can be released.
Due to the court’s assessment of him as a dangerous offender, Fowler faces an extended period of supervision on parole, specifically a three-year prison license upon release, aimed at safeguarding young children from further harm.
