The Offender Database has reported that Stephen Bower, a prolific child rapist, is formerly of Lincoln and Derbyshire. Bower was initially sentenced to 26 years in prison in 2014 after being convicted of repeatedly raping three children over 23 years. Following his release on licence, he has returned to live in Old Whittington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
The investigation by Derbyshire Constabulary and Lincolnshire Police uncovered a decades-long campaign of vile abuse. Bower callously targeted one victim before escalating his predatory behaviour to two others. To maintain their silence, he used his violent criminal history to intimidate them, threatening to stab the children if they ever alerted the police.
Violent History and Evidence
Bower’s victims were acutely aware of his dangerous background, which included convictions for wounding, assault, and a three-year prison sentence for robbery in 1977. He also served time for blackmail and burglary in 1986. His evil reign of abuse only ended after one brave victim used her mobile phone to record him dishonestly admitting to his crimes.
In 2015, his sentence was reduced to 22 years after three indecency convictions were overturned due to technical errors in the drafting of the charges; however, all the serious child rape convictions remained in place.
Release Conditions and Monitoring
Having served half of his custodial term, Bower has been released on licence under the most stringent supervision. As a high-risk offender, he is subject to the following severe restrictions:
- 24-hour GPS tagging to monitor his movements at all times.
- A lifelong requirement to sign the Sex Offenders Register.
- An exclusion zone banning him from entering any children’s play park within 60 metres.
- Mandatory disclosure of his convictions to any future romantic partners.
Public Safety and Identification
Stephen Bower is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Level 3—the highest level of monitoring—by Derbyshire Constabulary. He is described as having a large spider tattooed on his neck, which serves as a prominent identifying feature.
Authorities emphasise that any breach of his strict licence conditions or any dishonest attempt to hide his location in Old Whittington, Chesterfield, or elsewhere will result in his immediate recall to prison. His return to the community is being met with serious scrutiny to ensure public protection.
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