MICHAEL HOWDEN WALLASEY CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLOR JAILED FOR RAPE IN LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT
In a high-profile case that has shocked the community of Wallasey and the wider Liverpool area, Conservative councillor Michael Howden was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for the serious crimes of rape and sexual assault involving two teenage girls.The case, which unfolded at Liverpool Crown Court, culminated in a dramatic verdict and sentencing that drew significant public and media attention.
Michael Howden, a respected figure in the local political scene representing Wallasey, faced a jury that found him guilty on Friday of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl and raping another 17-year-old girl.
Despite his conviction, Howden remains a member of Wirral Council, pending any potential appeal, a decision that has sparked debate among residents and officials alike.
The court proceedings revealed disturbing details of the incidents.
The victim testified that she awoke to find Howden kneeling at her bedside, engaging in indecent assault.
She recounted that after he initially left, he returned and committed the act of rape.
Another young woman, who was also present, described how Howden had indecently assaulted her on approximately 20 separate occasions, painting a disturbing picture of repeated misconduct.
On the day of sentencing, Howden appeared in court dressed in a suit without a tie, looking visibly tired and subdued.
Judge Justice Kay, addressing Howden, acknowledged the gravity of the offences.
He stated, “After careful and anxious consideration, the jury convicted you of serious offences.
They require substantial terms of imprisonment.” The judge also noted Howden’s previously good character and contributions to the community, which led to a reduction in his sentence as a reflection of his otherwise exemplary conduct.
During the hearing, Howden’s legal representatives described the case as tragic, emphasizing that the repercussions would be felt by many individuals for a long time.
Howden, who had been employed as a youth training manager until his redundancy in July of the previous year, maintained his innocence, claiming that the allegations were fabricated and that the girls had colluded against him.
Members of the public gallery, including the victims and Howden’s wife—who appeared visibly distressed—witnessed the proceedings.
The local council leader, Labour’s Dave Jackson, stated that he had been advised by the Borough Solicitor to refrain from further comment at this stage of the case, underscoring the sensitivity and ongoing nature of the situation.
