LEVY DREW RICHARD ROWELL

A 21-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

Levy Drew Richard Rowell attacked the girl in October 2022, but she managed to escape and inform authorities about the assault.

Following his arrest, Rowell denied any involvement and claimed ignorance of the incident during police interviews.

However, evidence led to his charged with rape and assault by penetration.

Although he entered a plea of not guilty, the court found him guilty at Durham Crown Court yesterday, and he was subsequently sentenced to eight years behind bars.

In addition to his prison term, Rowell was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and the victim received a restraining order to protect her.

The girl shared in a victim impact statement that the assault had profoundly affected her, leading her to self-harm and cease attending school due to the trauma.

Investigator Cheryl Nixon commented on the case, stating, “Rowell is a contemptible individual who showed no remorse and attempted to prolong his case.

We are pleased he is now imprisoned, which we hope will provide some closure for his victim and aid her recovery.

“The victim has demonstrated remarkable bravery throughout this process, and we hope this outcome helps her begin to move forward.”