PAUL LOWDEN FROM HESKETH BANK SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN LANCASHIRE

In October 2013, a man named Paul Lowden, aged 44 and residing on Station Road in Hesketh Bank, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a teenage girl. The case drew widespread condemnation from the victim’s family, who described Lowden as a “monster” and expressed relief that he would be kept away from the girl for the foreseeable future.

Lowden’s criminal actions came to light after the teenage girl, who was only 13 at the time, broke down emotionally at her school. Her distress prompted school staff and social workers to intervene, leading to police involvement. Authorities visited Lowden’s residence, suspecting he might be there. During their search, they examined the property thoroughly and seized a laptop and a hard drive containing extreme pornography. As the officers searched, Lowden unexpectedly emerged from a cupboard that was hidden from view. He was brandishing a large kitchen knife and appeared highly agitated.

According to police reports, Lowden threatened to kill himself and then turned the knife towards two unarmed female officers, DC Karen Johnson and another officer, demanding that the girl be brought to him. The situation quickly escalated into a dangerous confrontation. DC Johnson described Lowden as “chilling,” noting that his eyes were “dead” and he showed no emotion. During the altercation, Lowden held the knife to his own throat, indicating a willingness to harm himself. When he jabbed the knife towards DC Johnson’s stomach, she instinctively held a book in front of her to protect herself from injury. The officers feared for their safety and for the girl’s life.

Prosecutor Sara Dodd described the scene, emphasizing the severity of the threat. She stated that DC Johnson feared she might not see her children again if Lowden succeeded in harming himself or others. The court heard that Lowden had been grooming the girl over a period of time, engaging in a disturbing “relationship” that he insisted was love. Despite the girl’s clear communication that his attention was unwanted, Lowden maintained that she was his “soulmate” and “the one for me” during interviews for a pre-sentence report.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Lowden had purchased a heart-shaped necklace, engraved with the words “love” and “courage,” which he and the girl both wore. On one occasion, Lowden told the girl he was “living the dream” when she asked what he was doing to her, further illustrating his manipulative behavior. The court also heard that Lowden had engaged in sexual activity with the girl and possessed multiple images of extreme pornography, which he stored on a hard drive. These images depicted human abuse and were used for his own gratification.

Judge Graham Knowles delivered the sentence, condemning Lowden’s actions as “wicked” and “disturbing.” He emphasized that Lowden’s words and deeds revealed a ruthless self-obsession and a complete lack of regard for the girl’s well-being. The judge pointed out that Lowden’s behavior was a clear example of grooming and coercion, highlighting his self-centeredness and inability to recognize the human feelings and needs of others. The judge also noted that Lowden’s consumption of extreme pornography was a form of self-gratification rooted in foul abuse of human beings.

Lowden pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including affray, four counts of sexual activity with a child, and nine counts of possession of extreme pornography. The court imposed a lifetime restraining order, explicitly banning him from making any contact with the girl again. Following the sentencing, the girl’s family expressed their relief, stating, “He is an absolute monster but the court saw through him. It is just a relief now that we can get on with our lives and know he can never contact her again.”