JOHN BLOWERS FROM HORNSEY AND NEWPORT SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST BOYS

In a case that has shocked the communities of Newport and Hornsey, John Blowers, an 82-year-old man with a history of religious service, has been sentenced to six years in prison for serious sexual offences committed against two young boys. The conviction follows a detailed trial at Cardiff Crown Court, which lasted five days and culminated in Blowers being found guilty of multiple counts of gross indecency and indecent assault.

Blowers, who previously served as an officer in the Salvation Army, was living in Newport at the time of the offences. His current residence is listed as Upper Tollington Park, Hornsey, London. The court heard that the crimes took place during his earlier years, with the judge condemning the acts as “cruel and systematic abuse” of the victims. Judge Jeremy Jenkins described the offences as “sexual abuse of the basest kind,” emphasizing the severity and the profound impact on the victims.

During the proceedings, Blowers had admitted to two counts of indecent assault, but the court also considered additional evidence and testimonies that painted a disturbing picture of his actions. The court was told that Blowers had a previous conviction for a similar offence involving a 15-year-old boy, indicating a troubling pattern of behaviour.

In mitigation, Blowers’ legal representative, Jenny Yeo, addressed the court, acknowledging her client’s acceptance of the jury’s verdicts. She explained that Blowers had struggled with his sexuality from a young age, growing up in a strict religious environment associated with the Salvation Army. Mrs Yeo revealed that, in an attempt to “cure” his homosexuality, Blowers had undergone aversion therapy during a time when societal understanding and acceptance of such issues were limited.

She also highlighted that Blowers was currently in a relationship with a man, who was present in court to support him. The defence argued that Blowers was regarded as a “model” member of his church community in London and was involved with a lesbian and gay Christian movement, suggesting a complex personal history.

Mrs Yeo appealed to the court to consider her client’s remorse, stating, “He accepts what he did was shameful and it fills him with horror and he is sorry.” The judge, however, was unequivocal in his condemnation, stating, “What your victims suffered as children is quite unimaginable.”

Given Blowers’ age and the nature of his crimes, the court acknowledged the significant impact of a prison sentence. Judge Jenkins emphasized that at 82, Blowers would likely feel the effects of incarceration more acutely than most. In addition to the six-year jail term, Blowers was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure designed to protect the community from any future risk.

This case has brought to light the disturbing history of a man once trusted in religious circles, now convicted of heinous crimes that have left lasting scars on his victims. The sentencing marks a significant moment in the ongoing effort to address and combat sexual abuse, regardless of the offender’s age or background.