MICHAEL SNOWDON OF BOREHAMWOOD FAILS IN BID TO REDUCE SENTENCE FOR ABUSING EAST GRINSTEAD SCHOOLGIRL

In June 2016, a disturbing case involving Michael Snowdon, a 37-year-old man from Wetherby Road in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, drew significant attention due to his criminal actions against a young girl from East Grinstead. Snowdon, a painter and decorator by profession, was convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a minor, which profoundly impacted the victim's life.

Snowdon was sentenced to a term of six years in prison at Lewes Crown Court on November 27 of the previous year. His conviction stemmed from admitting to four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, as well as three counts of causing a child to participate in sexual acts. The severity of these charges reflected the gravity of his misconduct and the harm inflicted upon the 14-year-old girl.

On June 23, Snowdon appeared before the Court of Appeal at the Royal Courts of Justice in Strand, London, seeking to have his sentence reduced. His legal representatives argued that the original sentence was excessively harsh and that his actions did not warrant such a lengthy imprisonment. However, the court was informed of the details surrounding Snowdon’s relationship with the victim, which painted a troubling picture of manipulation and exploitation.

Mr. Justice William Davis, presiding over the case alongside Mr. Justice Julian Flaux, outlined the court’s understanding of the case. He explained that Snowdon had initially befriended the young girl, establishing a relationship that was inappropriate given her age. The court was shown evidence of suggestive text messages sent by Snowdon to the victim, including a message in which he stated, “I think your body is almost ready for the next step.” This communication indicated a clear progression towards sexual misconduct.

According to the judge, Snowdon ultimately engaged in sexual molestation of the girl and coerced her into pleasuring him, actions that caused significant emotional and psychological damage. The victim’s personal statement was read aloud in court, revealing her feelings of betrayal and exploitation. She described how her perception of a “perfect relationship” had been shattered and how the abuse had made it difficult for her to trust others in the future.

Despite Snowdon’s previous good character, the court acknowledged the seriousness of his crimes. His legal team argued that his sentence was excessively long, citing the maximum possible sentence of ten years for each of the charges under the Sentencing Council guidelines for sexual offenses involving minors. Nonetheless, Mr. Justice Davis dismissed these arguments, stating that Snowdon’s crimes were indeed serious and deserving of the sentence imposed.

In his ruling, Mr. Justice Davis described Snowdon’s appeal as “misconceived” and emphasized that there was no fault in the original sentencing. He concluded by affirming the six-year term, stating, “There is nothing wrong with this sentence – and the appeal is dismissed.” The case underscores the ongoing concern over sexual offenses against minors and the importance of appropriate sentencing to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.