Hartlepool man jailed for non-recent child sexual offences.

A 37-year-old Hartlepool man was jailed yesterday for 20 years after being found guilty of a large number of sexual offences against children.

The offences against two boys and a girl, which included rape, indecent assault and indecency with a child, began when Carl Gowland was a juvenile himself, but they continued for several years as he became an adult.

Gowland was arrested soon after the first victim came forward in February 2022, and specially trained officers ensured she and the subsequent victims were safeguarded whilst enquiries continued.

He was later charged with offences against all three victims and appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court in early 2023 where he denied everything; the case then went to trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Again, he continued to deny his actions and the victims and their families had to endure the added stress of the trial.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Simon Lowther of Hartlepool CID said: “The victims in this distressing case suffered lasting trauma from Gowland’s actions against them when they were children.

“They showed great bravery in disclosing what they’d been through and were steadfast in their support of our enquiries.

“He denied what he had done until the end, however I’m pleased the jury saw through him and he will now spend a considerable amount of time in prison.

“I hope the victims feel reassured that their voices have been heard and that the result brings a degree of comfort to them. I wish them all well for the future.”

Gowland was also given indefinite restraining and SHPOs (sexual harm prevention order) and he will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.