JOHN HOWELL FROM MARKET DEEPING AND OXFORD SENTENCED FOR PERVERTED SURVEILLANCE CRIMES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Market Deeping and Oxford, John Howell, a 43-year-old civil servant, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of a series of voyeuristic and predatory acts involving a teenage girl.

The court heard that Howell, who resided on Southfield Road in East Oxford at the time of his arrest, had employed advanced surveillance technology to secretly monitor a 13-year-old girl. His method of intrusion was particularly insidious; he gifted her a teddy bear during the Christmas season, which secretly contained a tiny camera embedded within one of its eyes. This device was used to covertly film the girl without her knowledge. Additionally, Howell installed a camera inside a pen, which he used to record her while she was undressing, further demonstrating his obsession and predatory behavior.

Prosecutor Phil Howes told Lincoln Crown Court that Howell’s invasive actions extended beyond physical surveillance. He had also installed malicious software on the girl’s computer, granting him access to all her emails. The prosecutor described Howell’s behavior as driven by an unhealthy obsession, stating, “He was obsessed with her. It was an infatuation.”

The case came to light when the girl showed the teddy bear to her father, who immediately sensed something was amiss. His suspicions prompted him to contact the police. Law enforcement officers responded swiftly, visiting Howell’s residence in Market Deeping, Lincolnshire. During the search, they confiscated his laptop and a briefcase filled with various surveillance devices, uncovering the extent of his illegal activities.

During questioning, Howell attempted to justify his actions by claiming that the girl’s father was blackmailing him. However, he ultimately admitted to multiple charges, including four counts of voyeurism, two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, three counts of taking indecent photographs of a minor, perverting the course of justice, and making a false blackmail complaint.

While Howell admitted to touching the girl’s back and kissing her on the cheek, he maintained that no sexual activity had occurred. His defense lawyer, Hannah Stevens, expressed remorse on his behalf, stating that Howell recognized the wrongfulness of his actions and was “deeply remorseful.”

Judge Michael Heath delivered the sentence, emphasizing the severity of Howell’s misconduct. He stated, “You were sexually and emotionally preoccupied with this 13-year-old girl and you wanted a relationship with her.” As part of his punishment, Howell was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was permanently barred from working with children, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the threat he posed to minors.