In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Charles Gowans, then 69, of Osborne Place, Dundee, was sentenced at Dundee Sheriff Court following his conviction for sexually abusing two children. Gowans avoided a prison sentence despite the court finding his offences “abhorrent” and a “significant breach of trust.”
The investigation established that Gowans sexually touched a child under 13 during a holiday at a resort in Spain in October 2016. He further abused a second child under 13 at two addresses in Dundee on multiple occasions between August 2014 and May 2017. Sheriff Derek Reekie noted that Gowans displayed “risk-taking” behaviour, as some assaults occurred while other adults were nearby.
Judicial Findings and Credibility
The court reported that Gowans reacted with “indignation” when first accused and denied the offences. During legal proceedings, the Sheriff described him as “evasive,” raising serious concerns about his credibility.
While the Sheriff acknowledged that the crimes met the threshold for a custodial sentence, he was “just persuaded” that a community-based alternative was appropriate. This decision was based on a social work assessment that categorised Gowans as a “low risk” for reoffending.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Dundee and Spain, Charles Gowans was handed the following:
- Community Payback Order (CPO): Three years of mandatory supervision.
- Restriction of Liberty Order (RLO): An electronic tag for six months, requiring him to remain indoors between 7 pm and 7 am.
- Unpaid Work: 300 hours to be completed in the community.
- Conduct Requirement: Prohibited from contacting any child under 16 unless supervised by an adult over 21.
- Sex Offenders Register: Gowans was placed on the register for three years.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Gowans is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Police Scotland. His movements are monitored electronically to ensure compliance with his curfew.
As a registered sex offender, Gowans must comply with strict notification requirements. Police Scotland states that they will proactively monitor his behaviour to mitigate any risk to the public. Any breach of his CPO, RLO, or conduct requirements will result in his immediate return to Dundee Sheriff Court, where the Sheriff warned a custodial sentence would be the only remaining option.
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