Bury St Edmunds man jailed for 15 years for child sexual offences
Frank Bowyer found guilty of multiple offences involving young girls
A 78-year-old man from Bury St Edmunds has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for committing multiple non-recent child sexual offences.
Frank Bowyer, residing on Ridley Road, was found guilty of 18 offences at Chelmsford Crown Court, following an eight-day jury trial.
Despite denying the charges, Bowyer was convicted of seven counts of sexually assaulting a child, seven counts of assaulting a child by penetration, and four counts of indecent assault.
Offences committed over a decade
According to the court proceedings, Bowyer's criminal acts spanned over a 10-year period and involved three female victims aged between four and 12 years.
The crimes were initially reported to police in August 2023.
Victim Personal Statements were presented in court, expressing the profound and enduring impact of the abuse.
One victim detailed the emotional distress and mental issues experienced as a result, including severe depression and anxiety attacks.
Another highlighted the loss of childhood and erosion of trust and safety, while the third offered a poignant appeal to the judge, emphasizing the burden carried in silence for years.
Bowyer ordered to register for life
In addition to Bowyer's prison sentence, he has been ordered to sign the sex offender's register for life.
Detective Constable Marie Appleby, who led the investigation, described Bowyer as a "sexual predator" who inflicted lasting harm on his victims, forcing them to relive their trauma during the trial whilst showing no remorse.
Appleby expressed admiration for the victims' bravery: "I hope today’s result brings them some peace to be able to move forward with their lives."
She encouraged anyone who has suffered abuse to report it, irrespective of when it occurred, assuring that every case will be taken seriously.
Support for victims
Victims of rape or sexual assault are urged to reach out and not endure their experiences in silence.
The Suffolk Survivor Pathway offers a single access point to multi-agency support for sexual violence victims, coordinating care among six specialist services.
For more information and available support services, individuals are encouraged to visit the Suffolk Constabulary website.