GINA OWEN'S SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN SHERBORNE LEAVE COMMUNITY IN OUTRAGE

In August 2019, a deeply troubling case emerged involving Gina Owen, a woman from Leigh near Sherborne, Dorset, who was accused of committing serious sexual offences against a young boy. The case drew widespread condemnation from child protection organizations and the local community alike, highlighting concerns over the leniency of the sentence handed down.

Gina Owen, aged 61 at the time, faced allegations of engaging in disturbing sexual acts with a minor, which reportedly took place over a period spanning from May to December 2004. The charges involved the boy being coerced into acts of humiliation, including being tied up and hit on her then male genitalia, with photographs purportedly taken during these incidents. The allegations also included a highly disturbing claim that the boy had urinated in Owen’s mouth, although this particular charge was dropped on the eve of her trial.

Initially, Owen denied all charges, asserting her innocence during an earlier hearing. However, on the first day of her scheduled trial at Taunton Crown Court, she changed her plea to guilty after the indictment was amended to reflect the specific nature of her offences. She admitted to two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, which constituted a breach of trust. During her court appearance, she was dressed in a blue and green floral dress, and her plea marked a significant development in the case.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Owen was sentenced to a two-year conditional discharge by Judge David Ticehurst. In addition to the discharge, she was ordered to sign the sex offender register for two years and pay a compensation of £500 to the victim. The judge expressed his difficulty in sentencing Owen, citing the lack of suitable rehabilitation programs available for women, as most courses designed for sex offenders are only accessible to men. He acknowledged the seriousness of the offences, noting that the victim would likely have suffered trauma from the abuse, but explained that community orders or other measures might not have been appropriate given the circumstances.

Following her sentencing, Owen refused to elaborate on the case, stating only that she was free and that she felt she had been unfairly treated by the press. She expressed her intention to move on from the ordeal, emphasizing her relief at having walked out of court with her freedom intact. Her comments drew criticism from child protection advocates, including the NSPCC, which condemned the case as involving serious and long-lasting harm to a vulnerable child. The charity highlighted the devastating impact such abuse can have, emphasizing that the long-term consequences for victims are profound and enduring.

The case also drew attention to the challenges faced by the justice system in dealing with offenders like Owen. The Crown Prosecution Service explained that the charges were altered to better reflect the unique nature of the offending, and that ongoing review of the case was standard procedure. They refrained from commenting on the sentencing itself but reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that justice is served in cases involving child abuse.

Overall, the case of Gina Owen from Sherborne has sparked outrage and concern within the community and among child protection groups, raising questions about sentencing practices and the adequacy of rehabilitation options for offenders, especially women. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and robust legal measures to protect children from such heinous crimes.