KEVIN HOWARD SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL FOR HORRIFIC SEX OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN IN THE 1970S
A man named Kevin Howard was convicted of multiple serious sexual offences committed against three children in the Wirral during the 1970s.Howard, now 69, inflicted lasting harm on his victims, leaving one girl described as "broken" after repeated abuse.
He appeared at Liverpool Crown Court to receive his sentence for a series of offences.
Judge Denis Watson, QC, outlined that Howard had attempted to molest Child A by trying to put his hand down her trousers, and had also forced Child B to perform a sex act on him.
The most severe abuse was directed at Child C, and the judge stated he had "no hesitation" in classifying the harm to her as "severe." Prosecutor Trevor Parry-Jones read a statement from Child A, who said, "I was destroyed by the abuse I suffered by Kevin Howard.
I wonder how my life might have been without this." She also noted, "There was no support, no one to talk to." Child C revealed she takes antidepressants "on and off" throughout her life and added, "I feel the abuse I suffered and its psychological effects prevented me from being a better mother." She expressed frustration that Howard had "been allowed to live his life over the years while I have tried to deal with the consequences as best I could." After a trial, Howard was found guilty of 18 counts of sexual offences, which included two counts of gross indecency with a child and 16 counts of indecent assault against the three girls.
Howard's defence lawyer, Fiona McNeill, asked the court to consider his lack of prior convictions.
She explained that Howard, of Mucklougher, Leitrim in Ireland, had never tried to discourage his victims when they came forward.
Ms.
McNeill emphasised that Howard was "only a young man" at the time of the offences and mentioned that he was presently receiving medical treatment for various health issues.
The judge condemned Howard for taking advantage of the children's vulnerability, stating, "You took advantage of the fact that those were children and they were just too young to be able to complain about the graphic and horrendous acts you carried out." Howard was sentenced to 17 years in prison, with an additional three years on licence.
He is also required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
