Sexual predator who groomed young girl is jailed

A sexual predator who groomed a young girl has been jailed.

Adam Fowler’s offending began when the girl was around eight years old, and continued until she was in her mid-teens.

The 36-year-old repeatedly coerced the young girl into sending him nude pictures in exchange for money.

He also tried to encourage the girl to have sex with him for payment, and sexually assaulted her.

Fowler’s offending came to light when the girl disclosed what had happened to her mother, who then contacted the police.

An investigation was launched, and Fowler was arrested.

His mobile phone was seized and examined by specialists, who found more than 100 indecent images of children saved on the device.

Fowler was later charged with a number of offences, including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child, paying a child for sexual services, and several counts of making indecent images of a child. 

He was also charged with causing a child to look at an image of sexual activity, after sending another girl naked images of himself on Snapchat. 

He admitted making indecent images of child and paying a child for sexual services, but denied the remaining charges.

However, Fowler, of Spennymoor, later changed his pleas to guilty ahead of his trial at Durham Crown Court.

He returned to court yesterday (October 22) where he was jailed for six years and four months.

He was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a ten-year restraining order preventing him from having any contact with the girl.

In a victim impact statement, the girl – who is now a young woman – described the effect of Fowler’s offending on her.

“Everything that happened with Adam, from being a small child and then throughout my teenage years, has affected me in many ways, of which I am still dealing with and coming to terms with now,” she said.

“Although I have come a long way, and would say I am a different person now, I do still have moments where everything plays on my mind.

“I definitely still have a way to go before I feel I can fully put this behind me and I’m able to have closure from it.”

Detective Constable Kimberley Elms, from Durham Constabulary’s South Safeguarding Team, said: “Fowler is a sexual predator whose actions have had a profound effect on the two young girls he targeted.

“For several years, he used a young, vulnerable girl for his own sexual gratification with no regard whatsoever for her wellbeing or consideration for the enduring psychological trauma that he has caused.

“By contrast, she shown tremendous courage in coming forward and giving evidence against her abuser.

“I hope this sentencing will provide her with some comfort and can help her move on and rebuild her life.

“This outcome should also hopefully show that survivors of sexual offences can be confident that they will be treated seriously and sensitively by our officers if they come forward to report what happened to them.”

To report a rape or sexual assault, call Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page

here www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help:

• The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 or visit co.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7 and provides support for anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit org.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) offers free, specialist support to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Call 01325 354119, email [email protected]or visit rsacc-thecentre.org.uk