SANDBACH SEX OFFENDER MARK HOWARTH SENTENCED TO INDETERMINATE PRISON TERM

In May 2007, a man from Sandbach, Mark Howarth, was sentenced to an indeterminate prison term after admitting to two sexual offences involving underage girls.

At Chester Crown Court on Thursday, Howarth, 30, of Oldfields Road, pleaded guilty to sexually touching one girl under 16 and engaging in sexual activity with another girl under 16.

Passing judgment, Judge Elgan Edwards ordered that Howarth serve a minimum of 18 months in prison before he can apply for parole. The judge also mandated that Howarth be registered on the sex offenders register for life and subject to measures under the Sexual Offences Protection Order for ten years.

Police Constable Darren Varley of the Neighbourhood Policing Unit Investigation Team stated, "The judge decided on the indeterminate sentence on the grounds that Howarth was a dangerous offender."

He added, "It means that he will not be allowed out of prison until experts have decided that he no longer poses a threat to young girls or to any other member of the public."

Constable Varley also commented on the investigation process, saying, "This was a protracted and difficult inquiry and we would like to thank everyone involved in it for their co-operation. It was important that this case was thoroughly investigated and put in front of the courts."