Bishop's Former Communications Chief Jailed for Child Sex Offences

This is the West Country
July 11, 2015

http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/cornwall_news/13407148.Bishop_s_former_communications_chief_jailed_for_child_sex_offences/

Bishop's former communications chief jailed for child sex offences

A former communications chief for the Bishop of Truro found guilty of historic child sex abuse has been sentenced to seven years in prison.

Jeremy Dowling, 77, from Bude, who was the Diocese of Truro’s communications officer for 25 years, was charged with 15 counts of indecently assaulting a boy under the age of 16 after five former pupils came forward to police to complain that they were victims of sexual abuse.

Most of the incidents happened at a private school in Bude where Dowling lived for most of his time as a teacher and senior member of staff at a private boarding school in Bude between 1959 and 1971, and at the time of the offences all the victims were aged between 10 and 13.

Numerous witnesses, including former pupils and members of the school, came forward to provide evidence about the abuse.

Detective Constable Grant Mills, 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."

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, and on June 5 of this year Dowling pleaded guilty to all 15 charges, and was sentenced today at Truro Crown Court.



DC Mills said “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.”