WILLIAM BOWDEN FROM BOLTON AND LITTLE LEVER JAILED FOR CHILD RAPE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Bolton and Little Lever, William Bowden, a 49-year-old man with a disturbing history of sexual offenses, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 13 years. The conviction stems from a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of minors, including the filming of himself raping a teenage girl with learning difficulties.

Bowden, who previously worked as a lorry driver, had meticulously groomed the young girl until she became completely compliant, making her vulnerable to his predatory actions. The horrifying details of his abuse only came to light after two other girls, whom Bowden had also sexually assaulted, alerted the police. Their tip-off led to a police raid on Bowden’s residence, during which investigators uncovered the videos he had recorded of the rapes, providing irrefutable evidence of his crimes.

Further investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior. Police discovered that Bowden was a regular downloader of child pornography from the internet. They also found indecent photographs of an unidentified girl as young as eight years old, taken by Bowden himself. These findings painted a picture of a man deeply involved in depraved activities, posing a significant threat to the safety of children.

At Manchester Crown Court, the severity of Bowden’s actions was underscored by the remarks of Mr. Justice Leveson, who described him as a serious danger to the public. The judge emphasized the gravity of Bowden’s offenses, stating, “It is clear you pose a serious risk to the public. You took other photographs of a particular depravity, particularly in relation to the unidentified girl, and you must be severely punished.”

Bowden faced multiple charges, including seven counts of rape involving one girl, as well as indecent assault charges against two other girls aged 11 and 14. He also pleaded guilty to charges of downloading child pornography and taking indecent photographs of his victims. The police had arrested Bowden at his home in Little Lever, Bolton, following reports of sexual abuse from two young girls, which ultimately led to his conviction and sentencing.

His case highlights the ongoing dangers posed by individuals who exploit and abuse vulnerable children, and the justice system’s efforts to bring such offenders to account and protect the community from further harm.