PETER ROWLAND FROM HINTON AND STOWUPLAND SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRL

In a harrowing case that has shocked the local communities of Hinton and Stowupland, Peter Rowland, aged 37, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses involving a young girl. The sentencing took place at Ipswich Crown Court, where Rowland appeared via video link from prison, having previously pleaded guilty to a total of 34 criminal charges, including 20 counts of raping a child under the age of 13.

Judge Emma Peters, presiding over the case, delivered a stern and unequivocal judgment, stating that Rowland-Hinton’s actions were nothing short of monstrous. She ordered that he serve a minimum of 16 years of his sentence before being eligible for parole, emphasizing the severity of his crimes and the danger he poses to society. The offences, which spanned over a period of seven years, only came to light after the victim disclosed details of her abuse last year, as explained by prosecutor Claire Matthews during the court proceedings.

Rowland-Hinton’s arrest occurred in October of the previous year. During police interviews, he chose to remain silent and offered no comment when questioned about the allegations. Following his arrest, authorities seized a laptop from his residence, which was later found to contain a disturbing collection of indecent images of children. The images included 66 of the most serious category A images, along with 50 category B images and 59 classified as category C, highlighting the extent of his online abuse.

Further investigations in January 2021 involved additional police interviews, during which Rowland-Hinton provided two prepared statements. It was revealed that he had openly admitted to having a sexual attraction to young girls, a disturbing detail that underscored the nature of his offending. Earlier in the year, he had already admitted to 20 charges of child rape, 11 sexual assault charges, and three counts of creating indecent images of children.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Peters described the scale of Rowland-Hinton’s sexual misconduct as both “astonishing and terrifying in equal measure.” She emphasized the profound and lasting impact his crimes had on the victim, condemning his actions as those of a “sexual monster.” The judge’s verdict reflected the gravity of the case, sentencing Rowland-Hinton to 25 years in prison, with an extended license period of eight years due to the dangerous nature of his conduct and the significant risk he continues to pose to the public.

Under the terms of his sentence, Rowland-Hinton will serve at least two-thirds of his custodial period, amounting to a minimum of 16 years and eight months, before he can be considered for parole. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims in the communities of Hinton and Stowupland.