BEN TOWLER FROM GREASBROUGH SENTENCED AFTER GROOMING YORK TEENAGER
In a case that has shocked the local community, Ben Towler, a gym instructor from Greasbrough, was sentenced to eight months in prison after being found guilty of grooming a teenage girl for sexual activity.The incident took place in York, where the victim, now an adult woman, bravely came forward to recount the profound impact the abuse had on her life.
During the proceedings at York Crown Court, the woman described how Tower, then a fitness instructor, exploited her innocence when she was underage.
She explained that his manipulative behavior left her with a heavy emotional burden, describing it as a "life crushing weight" that she has had to carry ever since.
The victim emphasized that Tower’s actions were driven solely by his own gratification, showing a blatant disregard for her humanity and well-being.
The court heard that Towler’s misconduct had long-lasting effects on her mental health, but she expressed her determination to rebuild her life despite the trauma.
The jury, in a trial held in September, was informed that Towler had befriended the girl at a gym in York, where she was a regular attendee.
It was revealed that she was underage at the time of the incidents.
For years, she kept silent about the abuse, but eventually found the courage to speak out.
Towler, aged 34 and residing on Church Street in Greasbrough, Rotherham, faced five charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child.
He denied all charges, but the jury convicted him of one count involving a kiss, while acquitting him of the other four charges.
Following his conviction, Tower was sentenced to eight months in prison.
Additionally, he was prohibited from working with children in the future, placed under a sexual harm prevention order, and required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.
The judge noted that by the time Towler kissed the girl, she was already "infatuated" with him, highlighting the manipulative nature of his actions and the vulnerability of the victim at that time.
