MARTIN HOWE FROM GOSPORT AND YORK JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN YORK

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Salvation Army community, Martin Howe, a former captain associated with the organization, was sentenced to nine months in prison for indecently assaulting a teenage girl in York. The incident, which took place in April 2000, has prompted the Salvation Army to reevaluate and strengthen its safeguarding procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

According to court proceedings, Howe, aged 39 at the time, used religious scripture as a means to manipulate and gain the trust of the 16-year-old girl, a regular attendee at Salvation Army events. The court heard that Howe quoted passages from the Bible to her before engaging in inappropriate behavior, which included undressing her and administering a spanking. These actions were described as a breach of trust and a violation of the moral and ethical standards expected of someone in his position.

Howe admitted to the indecent assault, which was committed in York, and also confessed to another similar offense elsewhere. The judge at Portsmouth Crown Court, Judge David Selwood, sentenced Howe to nine months for each charge, with the sentences to run concurrently, meaning he would serve the total time in a single period.

The court was informed that Howe had previously gained the trust of young girls while serving at Salvation Army citadels in York and Bridgwater, Somerset. His position within the organization had allowed him access to vulnerable individuals, which he exploited for his own gratification. The judge described Howe’s actions as a disturbing abuse of his religious role, stating, “You breached the trust of your congregation, your colleagues, of parents and of these two girls. It’s hard to think of greater breaches of trust.”

Following the sentencing, a Salvation Army spokeswoman issued a statement condemning Howe’s conduct. She emphasized that the organization takes such incidents very seriously and has since implemented stricter safeguarding measures. These include appointing a dedicated child protection officer responsible for overseeing any allegations or incidents of abuse, working closely with police and social services to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.

During the court hearing, Stephen Clayton, representing Howe, argued that the assaults, while serious in terms of breach of trust, were not physically violent or overly aggressive. He highlighted that Howe, who resided on Frater Lane in Gosport, had shown genuine remorse and had cooperated fully with law enforcement authorities. Clayton also pointed out the personal consequences Howe had faced, including the loss of his job after 15 years of service, the potential derailment of his academic pursuits—specifically his Master’s degree in theology—and the probable end of his marriage, which was described as very strained.

Prosecutor Angus Robertson detailed the circumstances of the York incident, revealing that Howe had offered the 16-year-old girl a lift home one evening. Once at her residence, Howe entered her bedroom after reading passages from the Bible and then asked her to participate in a punishment procedure, which involved her removing her trousers. The girl felt extremely ill after the incident and subsequently avoided any contact with Howe, indicating the profound impact of his actions on her well-being and trust.

This case has not only resulted in legal consequences for Howe but has also prompted the Salvation Army to review and enhance its safeguarding policies to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse within its ranks.