HOUTON REEGIS PAEDOPHILE ASHLEY BOWERMAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR RAPE OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN LUTON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Houghton Regis and the surrounding areas, Ashley Bowerman, a 22-year-old man from Houghton Regis, was sentenced to a decade behind bars for the heinous crime of raping a 12-year-old girl. The incident took place in March 2013, but the repercussions and legal proceedings culminated in a conviction and sentencing in September 2014.

Bowerman, who was employed at a local supermarket, arranged to meet the young girl at a Premier Inn in Luton. The girl, who was only 12 years and 2 months old at the time, had attempted to appear older by wearing makeup and false eyelashes, a detail that was scrutinized during the court proceedings. Bowerman, who has Asperger's syndrome and resides on Farrier Way in Houghton Regis, pleaded guilty to three counts of raping a child under the age of 13.

Evidence presented during the trial included images of the girl, her police interview, and witness statements describing her behavior on the night of the incident. Judge Barbara Mensah emphasized that Bowerman could not have reasonably believed the girl was 16, as he claimed, especially after viewing the evidence. Prosecutor Neil King detailed that Bowerman had been in contact with the girl since December 2012, when she was just 11 years and 11 months old. The relationship escalated until March 23, 2013, when Bowerman took her to the Premier Inn in Luton, where they checked in under the guise of being a married couple.

During their stay, the girl consumed alcohol to the point of intoxication, and at one stage, Bowerman was seen carrying her back into the hotel after she had become drunk. Disturbingly, Bowerman took explicit photographs of her while she was unconscious or asleep, actions that further compounded the severity of his crimes. The police were alerted by the girl’s worried parents, who had become concerned about her condition. Officers tracked the duo to the hotel, where they found the girl heavily intoxicated, with a nearly empty bottle of Jack Daniels nearby.

Defense lawyer Henry Day argued that Bowerman was only 20 at the time of the offense and had no prior criminal record. He highlighted Bowerman’s struggles with Asperger’s syndrome and past experiences of bullying, suggesting that these factors contributed to his actions. Day also presented letters from individuals who spoke positively about Bowerman, emphasizing his otherwise good character. However, Judge Mensah pointed out the aggravating circumstances, including Bowerman’s failure to prevent the girl from drinking alcohol, his need to carry her back into the hotel, and the fact that he took two explicit photographs of her.

The judge condemned Bowerman’s actions, stating, “She was drunk and incapable. She was particularly vulnerable. She was under-age, you knew she was underage.” She further remarked on the profound impact the crime had on the victim, noting that Bowerman had taken full advantage of her vulnerable state. As the sentence was handed down, Bowerman was visibly emotional, crying in the dock. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

Initially, the court considered a sentence of 12 years but, after a review over lunch, Judge Barbara Mensah reduced it to 10 years. The decision was communicated to Bowerman’s legal representative, Henry Day, at Luton Crown Court in the afternoon, marking a significant and somber chapter in the ongoing fight against child exploitation and abuse in the region.