Former Teacher Jailed for Seven Years for Child Sex Offences

Plymouth Herald
July 10, 2015

http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/teacher-jailed-seven-years-sexual-abuse/story-26877950-detail/story.html

A FORMER teacher and communications officer to the Bishop of Truro has been put behind bars after sexually abusing five young boys.

Jeremy Dowling, 77, from Bude, was sentenced to seven years in prison today at Truro Crown Court after admitting 15 counts of indecently assaulting a boy under the age of 16.

The former teacher was convicted after five ex-pupils came forward to police to complain that they were victims of sexual abuse.

Dowling was a teacher and senior member of staff at a private boarding school in Bude between 1959 and 1971.

He also worked for several bishops during his time as a diocese communications officer.

Most of the incidents happened at the school where Dowling lived on site for the majority of his time there.

The victims were aged between 10 and 13 at the time the offences were committed.

Numerous witnesses, including former pupils and members of the school, came forward to provide evidence about the abuse that took place between 1959 and 1970.

Detective Constable Grant Mills, of Launceston CID, said: "Dowling selected and groomed his victims prior to the abuse starting and subjected them to a prolonged and distressing period of abuse.

"He was in a position of trust during his time at the school and parents of the pupils had entrusted him, as well as the rest of the school, with the care and well-being of their children.

"The victims have lived with this all of their lives, some not even disclosing it to family members up until recently.

"Others have suffered employment and relationship issues due to the abuse they suffered at the hands of Dowling.

"We welcome the sentence and hope it will help to give some closure to the victims and allow them to move on with their lives.

"This has been an extremely difficult time for those involved who all showed great courage in coming forward.

"All of the victims and witnesses have played a critical role in bringing this man to justice.

"We hope this case shows that we take allegations of historical sexual abuse seriously.

"No matter how long ago crimes were committed, if the victims have the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will listen and investigate thoroughly.

"They will also be fully supported by dedicated officers."

The investigation began in February 2013 when the first victim came forward to police making a complaint against Dowling during his time at the school.

During the complex investigation Dowling was interviewed five times by police over an 18-month period.

In December 2014 the Crown Prosecution Service authorised 15 charges of indecently assaulting a boy under the age of 16 in relation to all five victims.

On June 5, 2015 Dowling pleaded guilty to all 15 charges.