ERIK BOWMAN FROM FEATHERSTONE SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD SEX ABUSE IN WEST YORKSHIRE

In a case that spanned over four decades, a pensioner from Featherstone has been convicted and sentenced for serious sexual offenses committed against a young girl during the 1970s. The individual, identified as 82-year-old Eric Bowman, was sentenced to a prison term of three years and eight months after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to the abuse.

According to court proceedings at Leeds Crown Court, Bowman’s victim, now in her fifties, has endured a lifetime of psychological trauma as a direct consequence of the abuse she suffered as a child. The court heard that Bowman targeted the girl, who was approximately 12 years old at the time, on several occasions. During these encounters, Bowman engaged in acts of attempted rape, gross indecency, and multiple counts of indecent assault.

The court was informed that Bowman not only assaulted the girl but also threatened her to ensure her silence, instilling fear that prevented her from reporting the abuse for many years. The victim, who chose to remain anonymous, believed that no one would believe her if she came forward, which contributed to her silence for an extended period.

Judge Robin Mairs, presiding over the case, addressed Bowman directly during sentencing. He emphasized the lifelong impact of the crimes, stating, “The effects of the offence have lasted a lifetime. What you did to that young child effectively scarred her for the rest of her life, and you did it for your own simple perverted sexual gratification. She has suffered significant and aggravated psychological effects from this over many years. She did not report this because she was terrified of the consequences of what you told her.”

Bowman’s defense, represented by Geraldine Kelly, acknowledged that Bowman had admitted to his offending at an early stage. Kelly explained that Bowman could not recall some of the specific incidents but accepted responsibility for the acts, citing his desire to spare the victim the trauma of giving evidence in court. Despite his remorse, the court determined that the severity and duration of the abuse warranted a substantial prison sentence, reflecting the profound and lasting harm inflicted upon the victim.