SEAN O’DOWD FROM STONEHOUSE JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL NEAR GLOUCESTER

In a case that has shocked the local community, Sean O’Dowd, a 30-year-old man from Bath Road, Stonehouse, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place following a social gathering where both the offender and the young girl had been drinking alcohol at a party, leading to a series of disturbing events that culminated in criminal charges.

O’Dowd had initially denied three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. However, after a jury deliberated, he was found guilty in January of the charges brought against him. The case was heard at Gloucester Crown Court, where Judge Jamie Tabor delivered the sentence. The judge described O’Dowd as a “sad drunk” who had lost his moral compass, emphasizing the gravity of his actions and the impact on the victim.

According to court proceedings, O’Dowd had only recently completed a three-week alcohol rehabilitation program. Instead of maintaining sobriety, he reportedly went straight to a party where he continued to drink heavily. It was during this event that he met the young girl, with whom he had only just become acquainted. The court heard that O’Dowd took the girl for a walk, laid his coat on the ground, and engaged in sexual intercourse with her. This disturbing encounter was just the beginning of a series of offenses.

Approximately 18 months after the initial incident, O’Dowd engaged in further sexual activity with the same girl when she was 14 years old. The allegations of these offenses came to light in July 2010, when they were reported to the police. The court was informed that O’Dowd has struggled with serious issues related to alcohol and drug abuse, as well as dishonesty, which have significantly affected his life over the past decade.

In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Tabor imposed an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order on O’Dowd, requiring him to adhere to strict restrictions to prevent further offenses. He was also ordered to sign the sex offender register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Addressing O’Dowd’s troubled history, the judge noted that his attraction to Class A drugs and alcohol had played a major role in his behavior. He criticized the fact that, despite completing rehab, O’Dowd immediately returned to drinking and socializing at parties. The judge summarized the case by stating, “You seduced her and then two years later, you mucked about with her again.”

O’Dowd was sentenced to three and a half years for the initial offense and received an additional year for the subsequent offenses, to be served consecutively. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which the justice system views crimes involving minors and substance abuse, especially when committed by individuals with a history of addiction and dishonesty.