SIMON SOWDEN, DERBYSHIRE SEX OFFENDER, SENTENCED TO NEARLY 11 YEARS IN PRISON
This image shows Simon Sowden, a convicted rapist from Derbyshire, who exploited a young woman heavily intoxicated with alcohol and drugs to commit a sexual assault.A judge described Sowden's actions as "a horrific incident" for the victim.
In her own victim impact statement, she explained she struggled to look at herself in the mirror because of what Sowden had done to her.
Her family and she demonstrated significant courage by attending Derby Crown Court earlier this week to witness Sowden being sentenced to 10 years and nine months in prison.
Meanwhile, Sowden himself appeared hesitant, choosing to turn away from the public gallery and shield his face during the proceedings.
Following consultations with the victim, Derbyshire police have released a custody photograph of Sowden.
Prosecutor Sarah Phelan detailed the incident, saying it occurred in the early hours of an April day in 2019.
Ms.
Phelan explained that Sowden had met the victim at a pub in Chesterfield, where they drank heavily and used cocaine.
She stated, "He took advantage of her when she was heavily intoxicated, took her back to his flat under the pretense of protecting her, as she was paralytic from alcohol and drugs and unable to consent." She further added that two taxis refused to transport them, and only a third, driven by a female driver, agreed.
Arriving at Sowden's flat, the victim remembers removing her false eyelashes before experiencing unwanted sexual contact, during which she heard Sowden moaning and breathing.
Recognizing what was happening, she quickly went to the bathroom, collected her belongings, and left.
A CCTV recording shows her trying to attract help by flagging down an ambulance.
She then returned home, told her mother she had been raped, and the police were contacted.
Sowden was arrested around 9:45 am in a van in Chesterfield.
During police interviews, he responded with "no comment" to questions.
Sowden, residing on Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield, pleaded guilty to the charges of rape, assault by penetration, and sexual assault, but only on the day his trial was scheduled to begin.
