PETER VOWDEN: BARNSTAPLE COASTGUARD AND FORMER BORSTAL OFFICER SENTENCED FOR ABUSING FOUR YOUNG GIRLS IN NORTH DEVON AND WEYMOUTH

In August 2016, a disturbing case concluded with the sentencing of Peter Vowden, a man with a dark history of sexual abuse spanning over two decades. Vowden, who once served as a borstal officer, was found guilty of abusing four young girls, with the crimes committed at various times from 1973 to 1994. The victims, who ranged in age from just seven to fifteen at the time of their assaults, continue to carry the emotional scars inflicted by his predatory actions.

During the period when these offenses took place, Vowden was residing in North Devon and Weymouth. It was during his time in Weymouth that he worked at the nearby Borstal at Portland, which is now designated as a Young Offenders Institution. His movements and employment history also included a return to Barnstaple, where he took up roles at a builder's merchant and later for the local council. Despite his employment and volunteer activities, including serving as an auxiliary coastguard, his past crimes eventually surfaced, leading to his arrest and prosecution.

Vowden, aged 60 and residing on Poltimore Lane in Barnstaple, pleaded guilty to a total of 18 charges, which included indecent assault and acts of indecency against the four victims. The offences spanned over two decades, highlighting a persistent pattern of abuse. His sentencing was handed down by Recorder Paul Dunkels, QC, at Exeter Crown Court, who sentenced him to 11 years in prison, with an additional one-year extended license period. Furthermore, Vowden was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that prohibits any contact with children after his release.

The judge emphasized the severity and long-lasting impact of Vowden’s actions, stating, “You were aged 18 to 39 at the time of these offences and the children were seven to 15. I have read their victim impact statements and take into account the profound and long-standing damage that your abuse has left to them. It has haunted them for decades. You were a persistent offender with a course of conduct involving a number of victims.”

In his remarks, the judge also referenced a letter from Vowden claiming remorse, but he criticized the sincerity of these sentiments, noting that the remorse appeared only after the crimes had been uncovered. The prosecution, led by Sean Brunton, detailed how Vowden exploited his access to the victims over the years, including during his employment at Portland. Brunton revealed that Vowden threatened the victims and their families to maintain silence, even resorting to violence, such as holding a knife to one girl’s throat and threatening to stab her if she disclosed the abuse.

Three of the victims provided personal statements, describing the devastating impact the abuse has had on their lives. Brunton highlighted the lasting trauma inflicted by Vowden’s actions, which have left deep emotional scars.

Defense attorney Richard Crabb argued that Vowden was overwhelmed and confused at the time of the offences, acknowledging that he knew his actions were wrong but unable to explain his motivations. Crabb emphasized that Vowden has since led an honest and industrious life, working for a builder’s merchant for over 20 years and more recently for the local authority. He also noted Vowden’s voluntary work as an auxiliary coastguard and claimed that he now has no interest in sex or children, expressing remorse, shame, and regret for his past actions.

Ultimately, the court’s decision reflected the gravity of Vowden’s crimes and their enduring impact on the victims, leading to a lengthy prison sentence and strict post-release conditions to prevent any future harm.