KEVAN HOWARD SHOCKS BOLTON WITH SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND DRUG OFFENSES
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Bolton community, Kevan Howard, a 43-year-old landscape gardener from Wardle Street, was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl and possessing a significant quantity of cannabis resin.The incident took place during a family visit to Howard’s home in Bolton in February, where the boundaries of acceptable behavior were egregiously crossed.
According to court proceedings, the girl and her parents had come to Howard’s residence for what was supposed to be a routine visit.
During the gathering, the adults were drinking alcohol, and the teenager was also permitted to consume cider, raising concerns about the environment and the influence of substances on the young girl.
Prosecutor Sarah Johnston detailed that at one point, Howard was alone in the kitchen with the girl and shared puffs from his cannabis joint without the knowledge or consent of her parents.
This act of sharing drugs was a clear breach of trust and legality.
Following this, the girl’s parents re-entered the kitchen, and Howard and the girl moved into the living room.
There, Howard sat beside her on the sofa and proceeded to kiss her on the mouth despite her protests.
He also touched her stomach inappropriately.
The girl, who was reportedly feeling dizzy from both alcohol and cannabis, was subjected to this sexual activity for approximately ten minutes.
The situation escalated until her father, who was unaware of the full extent of the misconduct, entered the room and was confronted with the disturbing scene of Howard kissing his daughter.
Miss Johnston explained that the father was visibly disgusted and reacted by shouting obscenities.
In his anger and concern, he headbutted Howard before calling the police.
The girl, overwhelmed and distressed, ran out of the house, leaving her parents to deal with the aftermath of the incident.
Howard’s actions prompted immediate police intervention, and he was taken into custody.
During police interviews, Howard admitted to the charges, acknowledging that he knew his behavior was wrong.
He confessed to the sexual activity with the minor and also to possessing approximately 100 grams of cannabis resin, which was later recovered from his home.
Howard’s defense lawyer, Rebecca Sharp, stated that her client had accepted responsibility for his actions and was seeking help for his substance abuse issues, particularly his use of cannabis and alcohol.
Judge Timothy Clayson, the Honorary Recorder of Bolton, reviewed the case and expressed understanding that Howard’s substance problems had contributed significantly to his offending.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the crimes, the judge decided that immediate imprisonment would not serve the public interest.
Instead, Howard was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for two years, with additional conditions including 18 months of supervision, mandatory attendance at 12 sessions aimed at addressing his alcohol use, and a 10-year registration on the sex offenders register.
Furthermore, Howard is prohibited from working with children and vulnerable adults.
Judge Clayson emphasized that considerable work remains to minimize the risk of reoffending, stating, “A lot of work still has to be done to make sure the risk of this happening again is reduced to the absolute minimum.” The case underscores the importance of safeguarding minors and highlights the ongoing challenges posed by substance abuse and inappropriate conduct within the community of Bolton.
