NEIL OWEN FROM PRESTATYN AND RHYL SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR PREDATORY SEX OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS

In May 2016, a man from the towns of Prestatyn and Rhyl in Denbighshire was handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sex offences involving young girls. Neil Owen, aged 47, who was employed as a nightclub doorman, was found guilty of a series of predatory sexual acts committed over a period of time, targeting vulnerable children in the local area.

Neil Charles Owen, residing at Ffordd Talargoch in Prestatyn, was sentenced to a total of ten years in prison by Judge Geraint Walters at Mold Crown Court. As part of his punishment, Owen was also placed on the sex offender register for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his movements and activities following his release. Additionally, the court imposed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which aims to prevent any future offending and protect the community from potential harm.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Walters remarked that Owen appeared outwardly to lead a respectable and decent life, a facade that concealed his true nature. The court was informed that beneath this veneer, Owen had been engaging in what the judge described as “predatory sexual acts” against children for many years. The judge emphasized that there was no doubt about Owen’s predilection for sexual activity involving young girls, and he expressed concern over the long-standing nature of Owen’s offending.

Judge Walters also addressed the defendant’s apparent remorse, noting that the pre-sentence report suggested it was superficial and lacked genuine understanding of the harm caused. The judge underscored the devastating and lifelong impact such abuse has on victims, stating, “These courts have learned through bitter experience that behaving in this way towards children brings about life-long harm to them.” He added that although victims might appear to be coping and moving forward with their lives, the reality is that they continue to live with the trauma every day.

In his remarks, Judge Walters made it clear that Owen’s actions were not only morally wrong but profoundly damaging. Owen had pleaded guilty to the charges, which resulted in a one-third reduction of his potential sentence. The court heard that the victims had been subjected to terrifying experiences during the assaults, with one victim describing feeling as if the earth was crumbling around her due to the trauma.

The prosecution’s barrister, Elen Owen, highlighted the severe impact of Owen’s crimes on the victims, emphasizing the emotional and psychological scars left behind. In his defense, Simon Killeen acknowledged that offenders often find it difficult to admit their guilt, but he pointed out that Owen had been honest and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Killeen also stated that Owen demonstrated some insight into his offending behavior and expressed a desire to seek help, indicating his willingness to participate in available rehabilitation programs while in custody.

He further noted that Owen was aware of the long and challenging road ahead of him and claimed that his client was genuinely remorseful. As the sentence was announced, Owen showed no visible emotion, accepting the ten-year term without outward reaction. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the need to protect the community from further harm.