DOMINIC POWNER FROM KNUTTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRLS IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Stoke-on-Trent, Dominic Powner, a 32-year-old man from Knutton, has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in the sexual abuse of three young girls. The abuse took place during what he described as twisted games of hide and seek, a childhood game turned into a nightmare for his victims.

According to court proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Powner, who was aged 14 and 15 at the time of the assaults, lured the girls into hiding and then subjected them to sexual abuse once he caught them. The court heard that his actions were not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of predatory behavior. The victims, now adults, provided harrowing victim statements describing the long-lasting impact of his actions. They recounted how their innocence was stolen during these encounters, which have left deep emotional scars.

The prosecution revealed that complaints about Powner’s conduct first surfaced in the year 2000. At that time, police had spoken to him, but no formal charges or court proceedings followed. It was only after the victims came forward again in 2015 that the case was revisited and charges were brought against him. Prosecutor Paul Spratt detailed the severity of the offenses, including a particularly disturbing incident where one girl was forced to perform a sexual act on Powner. During this encounter, he allegedly threatened her, saying, “If you tell your dad I am going to hurt you,” further intimidating her into silence.

The court also heard that Powner encouraged the girls to play the dangerous game of hide and seek, with the understanding that if they were caught, sexual conduct would follow. This manipulation and exploitation of childhood innocence underscored the gravity of his crimes.

Victims’ statements painted a bleak picture of their lives post-abuse. One woman expressed feeling ‘damaged’ and revealed she has struggled with anxiety and depression, even attempting to take her own life on several occasions. The emotional toll of Powner’s actions has been profound and enduring.

Powner, who resides on Knutton Lane in Knutton, pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault and three charges of indecency with a child. His criminal record also includes a previous conviction for indecent assault on a female in 2000. The court heard that he was sentenced to 31 months in prison and will be on the sex offenders’ register for the rest of his life.

In a related case, Joseph Powner, aged 29, also of Knutton Lane, denied two charges of indecent assault and one of indecency with a child. However, the prosecution chose not to proceed with evidence against him, and he entered a plea of not guilty.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of child exploitation and the importance of vigilance within communities to protect vulnerable individuals from predators like Dominic Powner, whose actions have left a lasting scar on his victims and the community at large.