ERIC HOWARD FROM DUKINFIELD AND PRESTATYN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN A LONG-TERM CRIMINAL HISTORY
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Prestatyn Dukinfield Rapist
In a case that has spanned over four decades, Eric Howard, a man with a disturbing history of child sexual abuse, was sentenced to ten years in prison for his heinous crimes. Howard, who has lived in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, and more recently on a campsite in Prestatyn, Denbighshire, was found guilty of abusing three young girls over a period exceeding 25 years.
The criminal activities began in 1965 when Howard first targeted a young girl at the age of six. His predatory behavior continued as she grew older, with him raping her when she was just 11 years old. Although he ceased his abuse when she entered her teenage years, Howard's depravity did not end there. He went on to abuse two other young girls, both aged just four at the time of their victimization. One of these girls was subjected to Howard's abuse until she was eight, and the other until she was 12. These acts of cruelty persisted until 1991, when the abuse finally stopped.
Howard's criminal conduct remained hidden for many years until last year, when one of his victims confided in her mother about the abuse she had endured. This disclosure led to Howard's arrest, bringing his long history of offending into the light. During the trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, Howard, aged 67, denied charges of rape, ten counts of indecent assault, and two counts of indecency. Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty of the charges he faced.
Judge Stuart Fish addressed the court and the public, emphasizing the gravity of Howard's crimes. He stated, "Anybody who has listened to this matter needs to exercise a great deal of restraint. There is no way of knowing if the damage you did will ever heal." The judge also clarified that Howard was acquitted of twelve similar charges and three additional counts of rape, which were ordered to be left on file, indicating that the court recognized the complexity and the extent of the case.
Howard's case highlights the long-lasting impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of vigilance and reporting. His sentencing marks a significant step in delivering justice for his victims, who endured years of suffering in silence.
The criminal activities began in 1965 when Howard first targeted a young girl at the age of six. His predatory behavior continued as she grew older, with him raping her when she was just 11 years old. Although he ceased his abuse when she entered her teenage years, Howard's depravity did not end there. He went on to abuse two other young girls, both aged just four at the time of their victimization. One of these girls was subjected to Howard's abuse until she was eight, and the other until she was 12. These acts of cruelty persisted until 1991, when the abuse finally stopped.
Howard's criminal conduct remained hidden for many years until last year, when one of his victims confided in her mother about the abuse she had endured. This disclosure led to Howard's arrest, bringing his long history of offending into the light. During the trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, Howard, aged 67, denied charges of rape, ten counts of indecent assault, and two counts of indecency. Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty of the charges he faced.
Judge Stuart Fish addressed the court and the public, emphasizing the gravity of Howard's crimes. He stated, "Anybody who has listened to this matter needs to exercise a great deal of restraint. There is no way of knowing if the damage you did will ever heal." The judge also clarified that Howard was acquitted of twelve similar charges and three additional counts of rape, which were ordered to be left on file, indicating that the court recognized the complexity and the extent of the case.
Howard's case highlights the long-lasting impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of vigilance and reporting. His sentencing marks a significant step in delivering justice for his victims, who endured years of suffering in silence.