ROBERT BOWEN FROM CWMBRAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL IN CARDIFF

In a case that has shocked the community of Cwmbran and the surrounding areas, Robert Bowen, aged 47, of Walkdens, Fairwater, was sentenced to more than three years in prison after admitting to offering money in exchange for sex to a teenage girl. The incident, which took place over a three-month period, involved multiple attempts by Bowen to engage in sexual activity with the minor under the threat of violence and financial inducements.

Bowen appeared before Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child. Initially, he faced more serious charges of rape, but on the day of his trial, he chose to plead guilty to lesser charges. Prosecutor Martyn Kelly outlined that the offences occurred on three separate occasions, during which Bowen not only offered money but also threatened to harm the girl’s family if she disclosed the incidents to anyone.

Defense counsel Stephen Jeary emphasized that Bowen had shown remorse by pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity once the lesser charges were presented. He also pointed out that Bowen had no prior convictions related to sexual offenses, suggesting a lack of previous criminal behavior of this nature.

However, Judge Neil Bidder QC highlighted that Bowen’s initial denial of any sexual activity was contradicted by forensic evidence. The judge explained that Bowen only admitted to a single instance of sexual activity during police interviews when confronted with irrefutable forensic evidence. Despite this, Bowen continued to deny the other two incidents until he appeared in court. The judge remarked that these offenses had a profound psychological impact on the victim, emphasizing the seriousness of the case.

As part of his sentence, Bowen was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was placed under a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which restricts his activities and contact with minors. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system to protect vulnerable individuals from sexual exploitation and to hold offenders accountable for their actions.