Ex-Navy Commander Jailed For Indecent Assaults

Charles Howeson (Picture: Devon and Cornwall Police).

A former commander in the Royal Navy has been jailed for seven years and six months for indecently assaulting eight young men.

Charles Howeson, 69, was convicted last year of 10 indecent assaults against eight young men in the 1980s and 1990s.

He was acquitted of attempted burglary and indecent assault against a ninth complainant last week, following a retrial at Bristol Crown Court.

Howeson, of Craigie Drive, Plymouth, was said to have used his position both in the Navy and as director of a Plymouth charity to commit the sexual offences against eight young men in the 1980s and 1990s.

He was Lieutenant Commander on HMS Cleopatra when he groped the genitals of one of the crew while walking up to the boat deck with him. The victim immediately reported the incident.

Paul Dunkels QC, prosecuting, said the Royal Navy special investigations squad examined the allegations - which Howeson denied - and gave him a warning.

Howeson was then transferred to a different ship, with an official explanation given that he was unwell, he said.

The defendant's abuse continued when he joined the charity in Plymouth, which carried out environmental work.

He was accused of a series of indecent assaults against six young men during his time as executive director of the charity in the 1990s.

Howeson, who denied all charges against him, resigned for health reasons five days after the complaints were received.

The court heard Howeson has been diagnosed with cancer and is due to begin chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Judge Mark ordered Howeson to pay prosecution costs of £50,000 and sign the sex offenders register indefinitely. He said:

"This case has revealed that to the outside world you displayed the finest qualities of diplomacy, charisma, endeavour, organisation and charm which you demonstrated during your period in the Navy and in your extensive and successful career and involvement at the very highest level with public bodies, authorities, businesses including a bank but also in your public and charitable works mainly associated with the community of Plymouth."

"The hidden and dark truth is these same qualities were the very qualities which enabled you to mask and conceal a dark secret only revealed for the world to see some 30 years later in this trial.

"That secret was your uncontrolled and predatory sexual behaviour particularly towards young or at least vulnerable men under your control.

"Between 1985 and 1994, in three separate roles in your professional life, you used all of your qualities, advantages and power to use and abuse your position to enable you to act as a sexual predator.

"In most cases you effectively trapped them like prey in order to abuse them."

The judge said Howeson used his position and power to "plan and manipulate men" under his control in a persistent and planned way.

Representing Howeson, Daniel Janner QC said: "Until these convictions, Charles Howeson was widely respected and admired.

"He is deeply shamed and his life and public service had ended."

Mr Janner said Howeson, who is supported by his wife and family, had lost his 36 professional positions and faces personal bankruptcy.

Speaking after the case, Detective Sergeant Susanne Lee, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said Howeson's victims had been left with psychological harm for "many years".

"Now they have been through the additional trauma of going to court, however the result is that a sex offender has been brought to justice," she said.

"We wish to say thank you to those victims for coming forward and for being brave throughout this process."

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence said: "Mr Howeson no longer holds his commission as an Honorary Officer.

"We are absolutely committed to taking any allegations of sexual offences very seriously and encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward."