Pershore man sentenced for non-recent child sexual abuse

A Pershore man has today (Thursday 6 August) been sentenced to 11 years and nine months in prison for multiple non-recent sexual abuse offences against a child.

Martin Cowley, 70, of Checketts Close, Pinvin, was found guilty of 14 counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16 years at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday 14 May following a four-day trial.

Cowley (pictured below) was today sentenced to 11 years and nine months for his crimes which date back to the 1990s.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which bans him from contacting under 18s, and handed a 15-year restraining order not to contact his victim.

The offences were first reported to police in 2023 which led to the charges and trial.

Detective Sergeant Louise Sutton, of the Protecting People Unit (PPU), said: “We are pleased to get this custodial sentence against Cowley whose victim was only a child at the time. He may have thought he had got away with his disgusting crimes but today shows he has not escaped justice.

“We would like to pay tribute to the victim for their courage in coming forward and giving the evidence to us that has led to this successful prosecution. They have waited 30 years for this day.

“We hope today’s sentencing will help them to move on with their lives and that it encourages other victims of sexual abuse to come forward.

“We will always listen to you and act where appropriate no matter how long ago the offences took place.”

• You can find advice about child abuse and child sexual exploitation via the links under this section of our website here Advice about child abuse | West Mercia Police.
• You can report sexual offences and rape here on our website Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | West Mercia Police. Always call 999 in an emergency.
• Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | West Mercia Police.