STEPHEN DOWLE SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS IN PRISON IN CANTERBURY FOR MULTIPLE RAPES
A man accused of multiple sexual assaults on two young women has been sentenced to 24 years in prison.Stephen Dowle, from Folkestone, was found guilty of 11 counts of rape against two females over a period of ten years.
The sentencing took place at Canterbury Crown Court this week.
Dowle, aged 42 and residing on Trinity Crescent, continued to deny the crimes during the trial, which concluded last year.
His victims, now women in their 20s, suffer from nightmares and panic attacks as a result of his relentless campaign of abuse.
Judge Simon James addressed Dowle, stating that he showed no remorse or insight following his offences.
The judge remarked, “It is clear that Stephen Dowle is not open to any form of rehabilitation.
He feels he should not be in custody because he believes he has not done anything wrong.” Dowle’s lawyer, Diana Pignot, explained that her client maintains his innocence, saying, “Stephen Dowle told me that the jury made a big mistake, he still denies any sexual offence, and that, of course, brings a difficulty in mitigation.” She also highlighted that Dowle views his incarceration as undeserved.
The victims' distress was also emphasized in court.
One of the women shared that she still suffers from nightmares and panic attacks and finds it impossible to shop alone, despite Dowle being behind bars.
The youngest victim's carer described the girl’s continued night terrors, severe anxiety, and difficulty trusting adults.
"She also refuses to speak about him and focuses on the bad people in her play, wishing for them to be in jail," they added.
A wanted poster was mentioned, with one victim stating, “It’s okay, he is in prison and can’t get me now.” In sentencing, Judge James described Dowle as a sexual deviant and indicated he will serve two-thirds of his 24-year sentence before being eligible for parole, with the remaining four years spent on license.
Dowle was convicted on multiple counts, including seven charges of raping underage girls, assaulting a girl under 16, and four counts of raping a woman over 16.
