STUART BOWMAN AND SHOCKING SEX OFFENCES IN EASTLEIGH AND CHANDLERS FORD

A young girl’s heartbreaking confession to her school staff in Eastleigh has ignited a comprehensive police investigation that ultimately led to the imprisonment of Stuart Bowman, a man from Chandlers Ford, for a decade. The distressing revelation emerged during a school lesson when the girl, overwhelmed by her emotions, had to be pulled out of the classroom by a teaching assistant. She disclosed that she had been subjected to ongoing sexual abuse over a period, an admission that prompted authorities to launch a serious inquiry.

Southampton Crown Court heard that once Bowen suspected he might have been discovered, he took drastic measures to cover his tracks, including an overdose of tablets which required hospital treatment. The court was informed that Bowen, aged 38 and residing on Oakmount Road in Chandlers Ford, faced multiple charges including rape and false imprisonment of a woman, allegations he initially denied. However, he later admitted to causing actual bodily harm and to committing three separate sexual offences against the young girl.

The girl’s testimony was particularly harrowing, revealing that her abuse had profoundly affected her mental health, leading her to engage in self-harm and contemplate suicide. Her words during police interviews were poignant: “I am happy now he can’t hurt me anymore,” she said, illustrating her relief at the justice she received.

Judge Gary Burrell QC addressed Bowman's case, characterizing him as a dangerous individual and a significant risk to children. As part of his sentence, Bowman was placed on the sex offenders register for life and is strictly prohibited from having unsupervised contact with girls under the age of 16, as mandated by a sexual offences prevention order. Additionally, he received a three-year extended prison sentence. The judge noted that Bowman's crimes occurred amidst a context of increased amphetamine use, which seemed to be a contributing factor.

During mitigation, lawyer James Newton-Price acknowledged that Bowman recognized the immoral and reprehensible nature of his actions towards the young girl. The lawyer also highlighted that Bowman had shown some insight into the devastating impact of his conduct. Bowman's emotional display during the proceedings was evident as he wiped tears from his eyes, and he was told that his choices had severely damaged his relationship with his own children.

Following the verdict, one of Bowman's victims, who wished to remain anonymous, described him as an “evil monster.” Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo, she expressed relief and satisfaction that justice had been served. “I am pleased to see him jailed,” she said. “It marks the closing of a horrific chapter in my life. I can now move forward with my family and try to rebuild what was broken.”