Man sentenced to over six years for bleach attack on Hemel Hempstead child
Dennis Dowton, 29, was found guilty of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent at St Albans Crown Court.
A man from Hemel Hempstead has started a prison sentence of six-and-a-half years for an attack on a child involving bleach.
Dennis Dowton, 29, was found guilty of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent at St Albans Crown Court.
He was sentenced last Thursday (21st May) and received an indefinite restraining order.
The court heard that on 14th October of the previous year, Dowton hit, suffocated, and poured bleach on the young girl's skin.
Detective Constable Debbie West from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Joint Child Protection Investigation Team commented on the case.
"This was a horrendous assault against a defenceless and vulnerable child known to him," DC West said.
"Dowton took no responsibility for his actions and put the victim's family through the ordeal of a criminal trial.
I am pleased that the jury returned a guilty verdict and that Dowton will now spend a considerable amount of time behind bars. He is evidently a dangerous offender, and this was a complex and challenging investigation for our team of detectives."
DC West expressed hope for the future of the victim and her family.
"While nothing can undo the pain and anguish that he has caused, I hope the young girl and her family can move on with their lives when they are ready to do so."