PETER ROWLEY JAILED IN MAIDSTONE FOR ABUSE IN SUTTON AND WEST MALLING

In August 2008, Peter Rowley, a resident of Sutton, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for abusing a young girl in West Malling approximately 20 years earlier. During the abuse, Rowley claimed he possessed Satanic powers, threatening the victim and her parents with evil and warning he would lock her in a chest to silence her.

Today, at Maidstone Crown Court, a judge described Rowley's conduct as particularly grave, emphasizing the "really wicked" nature of the crimes that severely impacted the victim's life. The 62-year-old, a chronic alcoholic, also pressured his now adult victim into reliving the abuse, denying that it had occurred.

Rowley faced multiple charges but pleaded not guilty to one count of rape, one of another serious sexual offence, and four counts of indecent assault; however, he was convicted on all charges.

The court was informed that the abuse began in 1988 in West Malling, where Rowley forced the victim to perform various sexual acts, including rape.

Prosecutor Eloise Marshall noted that Rowley had prior convictions for indecent exposure and had admitted to harassing a neighbor with indecent letters.

Defense attorney Charlotte Newell described the offences as "disgraceful and abhorrent," acknowledging their long-lasting impact on the victim. She explained, "There is very little I can put forward by way of mitigation. There were, of course, threats — overt and implicit. No actual violence was used. I don't suggest there is no risk. It is alarming and needs intervention. That will be available to him in prison."

Marshall added that Rowley recognized he had committed these offences but was unable to admit them fully, citing his chronic alcoholism, which had severely affected his career and relationships. "Here he is in his 60s, ruined by alcohol and facing a lengthy term of imprisonment," she said.

Judge Charles Macdonald, QC, addressed Rowley directly, stating: "You sought to ensure her silence by threatening her. You threatened her with satanic powers. Because of her young age, she believed you. For some 20 years she lived with these matters as secrets. The effect on her emotional development has been extremely adverse and serious."

The judge noted some remorse from Rowley but remarked it held little weight, as he did not plead guilty to the charges. He also criticized Rowley's actions for forcing the victim through a lengthy trial process.

As a result, Rowley was placed on the sex offenders' register for life and prohibited from working with children.