GAVIN GOWDY SENTENCED IN LURGAN FOR SEXUAL GROOMING AND ASSAULT ON CHILD

Gavin Gowdy, a 36-year-old man residing in Dingwell Park, Lurgan, has been formally convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a minor. The case was brought before Craigavon Crown Court, where Gowdy appeared for sentencing following a jury verdict that found him guilty of three distinct charges. These charges included engaging in sexual communication with a child, meeting a child after grooming her for sexual purposes, and sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13. The incidents in question occurred over a period spanning from March 1, 2017, to May 31, 2017, and involved a single young victim.

During the trial, it was revealed that Gowdy had initiated contact with the girl via Facebook, where he asked her personal questions about her experiences with kissing and sex. The following day, when the girl visited his flat, Gowdy made an explicit inquiry, asking, “do you want to?” which the victim understood as an invitation for sexual activity. The court heard that Gowdy then engaged in inappropriate physical contact, including breathing on her neck, tickling her, and touching her leg in a sexual manner. Despite her protests and discomfort, Gowdy continued his advances, leading the girl to leave his flat. Afterward, she deleted the messages containing the sexual content he had sent her, indicating her attempt to distance herself from the incident.

The presiding judge, Roseanne McCormick QC, acknowledged the significant age difference between Gowdy and his young victim, noting that he was 19 years her senior. She praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward and participating in the legal process, despite the trauma involved. The victim, who is now a teenager, has suffered considerable emotional and psychological consequences, including loss of employment, disruption to her education, and ongoing mental health struggles. She has also experienced suicidal thoughts, which her psychologist linked directly to the trauma inflicted by Gowdy. The psychologist emphasized that the offenses had a profound negative impact on her self-esteem and sense of vulnerability.

Initially, Gowdy denied the allegations, but during psychiatric assessment, he expressed remorse, stating, “I am disgusted with myself for doing what the girl said I did.” The court also learned that Gowdy had an extensive criminal record, with 25 previous convictions primarily related to dishonesty, traffic violations, and minor assaults. Notably, he had no prior convictions for sexual offenses.

In sentencing, the judge imposed a three-year prison term, along with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, disqualification from working with children, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. The case highlights the serious nature of grooming and sexual assault crimes and underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation and abuse in the community of Lurgan.