JOHN LOWDEN FROM COLNE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SCHOOLGIRL RAPE AND ABUSE IN BURNLEY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Colne and the surrounding areas, John Lowden, aged 31, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple heinous crimes involving a young girl. The offences took place in Burnley, where Lowden’s actions have left a lasting scar on the victim and have raised serious concerns about child safety and protection.

According to court proceedings, Lowden was convicted of repeatedly raping a schoolgirl after grooming her over a period of time. The court heard that he engaged in a series of sexual assaults, which included forcing the girl to perform indecent acts on him. Furthermore, Lowden took explicit photographs of the girl on his mobile phone, capturing her in a state of undress. These images were part of a collection of child abuse material that Lowden kept stored on his device, which he also used to show the victim vile child abuse films.

Adding to the severity of his crimes, Lowden encouraged a teenage boy to perform a sexual act on the girl, further demonstrating his manipulative and predatory behavior. During the trial at Burnley Crown Court, it was revealed that Lowden had attempted to physically restrain the girl by trying to handcuff her wrists. The victim later recounted to police that Lowden had expressed intentions to tie her to a bed and had called her degrading names. The court was also informed that Lowden had taken several indecent photographs of the girl and had threatened to upload these images onto YouTube, amplifying the threat and intimidation he used against her.

At the time of these offences, Lowden was described as a heavily intoxicated individual living in squalid conditions in Colne. His lifestyle and state of mind were considered to have contributed to his highly deviant and dangerous behavior. The court heard that Lowden admitted to three charges of rape, sexual assault, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, taking indecent photographs of a child, possessing indecent images of a child on three occasions, causing a child to watch a sex act, and encouraging or assisting in a sexual offence.

In addition to his prison sentence, Lowden was handed a five-year extended license period and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. He was also issued an indefinite sexual offences prevention order and prohibited from working with children in any capacity. The prosecution, led by Kevin Donnelly, highlighted that the victim confided in a friend at school about her ordeal, which led to her mother contacting the police. Police officers subsequently interviewed the girl, and Lowden was arrested. Authorities had to forcibly enter his residence after he refused to open the door, during which he was pepper-sprayed before being taken into custody.

During police questioning, Lowden denied any sexual activity with the girl, claiming he had never asked her to engage in such acts. It was noted that he had no prior criminal record. His defense lawyer, Tim Storrie, described Lowden as being resigned to his fate, acknowledging that he understood the punishment he faced.

Judge Andrew Woolman, presiding over the case, condemned Lowden’s actions, emphasizing the element of sadistic treatment involved in the abuse. The judge expressed his concern about the significant risk Lowden posed to the public, especially to children, and underscored the seriousness of the crimes committed in Colne and Burnley. The sentence reflects the gravity of the offences and the need to protect society from such dangerous individuals.