DAVID SOWERBY FROM WORKINGTON SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN CUMBRIA

In a case that has shocked the community of Workington and the wider Cumbria region, David Sowerby, aged 55, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of two young boys. The court heard how Sowerby, a resident of St Mary’s Court in Workington, engaged in a prolonged pattern of exploitation and misconduct that left lasting scars on his victims.

During the proceedings, the judge described Sowerby’s actions as a grave breach of trust, emphasizing that he had “debauched” the boys, who are now adults. The court was told that Sowerby showed no remorse for his “extremely grave” offenses, which spanned several years and involved multiple forms of abuse.

Judge Paul Batty, QC, presided over the case and delivered the sentence, stating, “These boys have been greatly affected now and then by what you did.” The court detailed how Sowerby had initially befriended the victims, providing them with money and, as they grew older, cannabis and alcohol, often when they were performing odd jobs for him. This manipulation and grooming process facilitated the abuse, which began when one victim was only seven years old and the other was in his teens.

It was revealed during the trial that Sowerby faced a total of 17 charges—nine relating to one boy and eight to the other. These charges included 11 counts of indecent assault and six counts of indecency with a child. Despite denying the allegations, a jury found Sowerby guilty after a trial held in December. Following the verdict, he was brought back to Carlisle Crown Court for sentencing.

Representing the defense, Greg Hoare argued that Sowerby suffered from a heart condition and suggested that he was not part of a category of criminals whose “life has been wholly wicked.” However, Judge Batty dismissed these claims, describing the evidence presented during the trial as “heart rending.” The judge also criticized Sowerby for his lack of remorse, making it clear that his actions had caused significant harm.

In sentencing, Sowerby received seven years’ imprisonment for each of the first nine charges, with all sentences to run concurrently. An additional three-year term was imposed for the remaining charges, which also run concurrently with each other but consecutively to the initial sentences. Furthermore, Sowerby was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions related to his criminal behavior.

This case underscores the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse and highlights the ongoing efforts within the community of Workington and the wider Cumbria area to combat such grave offenses.