STOCKTON EX-SERVICEMAN RUSSEL FOWLER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ASSAULT ON YOUNG GIRL
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Stockton, a former serviceman named Russel Fowler has been handed a decade-long prison sentence after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl.Fowler, aged 31, who has previously served in Iraq and Afghanistan, admitted to four separate charges related to the abuse earlier this year, prompting a serious legal response from the courts.
Details of the case reveal that Fowler engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior towards the young girl on April 13.
Prosecutor Paul Cleasby outlined to the court how Fowler had touched the girl inappropriately and subjected her to a distressing ordeal involving viewing pornography on his mobile phone.
The court was told that this was only part of a series of terrifying acts committed by Fowler, culminating in a sexual assault that left the victim deeply traumatized.
During a hearing held on May 12, Fowler, who had previously pleaded guilty to one count of rape, one count of assault by penetration, one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of causing a child to watch sexual activity, was remanded into custody.
The court awaited the preparation of a pre-sentence report before proceeding to sentencing.
Fowler appeared via video link from Holme House Prison, where he is currently detained, and only confirmed his identity during the proceedings.
The victim’s mother provided a heartfelt victim personal statement during the hearing, describing the profound impact the assault has had on her daughter.
She explained that her child now struggles with sleep, often waking in the night screaming and crying.
The mother expressed her hope that her daughter will eventually be able to forget the trauma, but acknowledged that only time will tell if she can recover from the emotional scars inflicted by Fowler’s actions.
Defense lawyer Andrew Turton acknowledged Fowler’s guilty plea as a mitigating factor, noting that it was entered at an early stage of the proceedings.
It was also revealed that Fowler was already serving a community order for harassment charges against a neighbor, adding to the context of his criminal record.
Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, delivered the sentence in court.
He emphasized Fowler’s background, noting his service in the military and deployments abroad during wartime, but condemned his actions as beyond comprehension.
The judge also highlighted the manipulative tactics Fowler used, including threatening the girl with punishment if she disclosed the abuse to her mother.
Fowler, who resides on Norfolk Street in Oxbridge, Stockton, was ultimately sentenced to ten years in prison for his crimes.
The case has left a lasting impact on the local community, raising concerns about the safety of children and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from predators.
