Essex Police thanked by sex abuse survivor as Dean Rowles jailed for over six years at Ipswich Crown Court

A woman who was sexually abused as a child has thanked police after her abuser was jailed following a five-year investigation.

Dean Rowles, 62, of Kingsgate Drive, Ipswich, was sentenced to more than six years in prison at Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to three counts of indecent assault on a girl aged under the age of 14.

It followed a report by Essex Police’s Quest Team, which investigates sexual assaults where the victim was a child at the time of the offences but is now an adult.

The woman spoke this week after Rowles was jailed, and said the force was crucial in helping her through the ordeal. In particular she thanked Sergeant Rachel Mitchell, who led the investigation.

She said: “Essex Police were brilliant throughout the case. Their perseverance and understanding really helped me through this challenging time."

"Rachel’s unflinching determination was appreciated, and my counsellor Jemma from the Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse helped me with counselling throughout the investigation and case.

"It was a lot to deal with and process. Without both of those women I don’t think I would have seen this sentence."

Rowles was jailed for six years and five months for indecent assault with penetration, with another year to be served on licence and three years for the other two indecent assault charges.

All three sentences will run concurrently.

Rowles, formerly of North Essex, had denied three further charges of indecent assault on a child. These were left to lie on file.

He was made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and put on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Sgt Mitchell said: “I want to acknowledge the incredible perseverance and strength the survivor has shown throughout the case.

"It was difficult and challenging at times, but the evidence was clear and left Rowles with no option but to admit his crimes. I hope this sentence helps the survivor as she moves forward with her life."

The offences were reported by the survivor at the start of the Covid pandemic, with the subsequent lockdowns causing delays to the investigation and court processes.