PAUL GOWER SHOCKS KILMARNOCK AND COLCHESTER WITH CHILD SEXUAL IMAGE SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Kilmarnock and Colchester, Paul Gower, a 43-year-old man, was found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images involving children. The incident came to light after Gower was caught on CCTV filming up female’s skirts on Oxford Street in London, an act that he committed during a visit to the capital city.

Gower’s actions were initially observed on August 21, 2015, inside the popular retail store Topshop on Oxford Street. CCTV footage revealed that he was behaving suspiciously, focusing more on female shoppers than on the merchandise. He was seen following a woman and her friend as they ascended an escalator, during which he used his mobile phone to record beneath the woman’s skirt. This behavior prompted security personnel to intervene, and Gower was subsequently detained and handed over to police authorities.

Upon investigation, law enforcement officials examined Gower’s mobile device and laptop. They uncovered three videos, each approximately 20 seconds long, depicting upskirt footage of women. These videos were filmed just a few days prior to his arrest, indicating a pattern of similar behavior. Further scrutiny revealed a cache of over 450 images and videos, some classified as Category A, which is the most severe classification for child exploitation material. Among these were images of children as young as seven years old, highlighting the grave nature of the offenses.

During police interviews, Gower admitted to downloading and filming these images, claiming that his motives were driven by curiosity rather than sexual gratification. He acknowledged that he took the videos two or three days before his arrest, and he was candid about his actions. Despite his admission, the case took a serious turn when prosecutors revealed that the images involved children being exploited, emphasizing that such material is not victimless and that every image represents a child suffering abuse.

Gower’s personal life was also discussed during the court proceedings. It was noted that he is married with children and resides in Kilmarnock. His wife expressed her intention to stand by him despite the allegations, and their friends’ reactions were described as mixed. Some friends, including the godfather of Gower’s children, appeared willing to support him, although trust issues were evident.

On December 8, at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Gower pleaded guilty to one count of public indecency and four counts of possession of indecent images. The court heard detailed accounts of his actions, and the judge, Andrew Goymer, delivered a stern sentence. Gower was sentenced to eight months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and pay costs amounting to £250.

The judge expressed profound contempt for Gower’s conduct, emphasizing the moral outrage and the damage inflicted upon victims. He highlighted the importance of understanding that such offenses are not victimless, as each image involves a child being exploited. The court acknowledged the support Gower’s family and friends had shown, but also pointed out the potential loss of trust and the impact on their reputation. The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of such criminal behavior, and the community’s ongoing concern about safeguarding children from exploitation.