In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Paul Dowsing, then 61, of Creswell Road, Clowne, Derbyshire, was sentenced to 16 years in prison. On Friday, 30 January 2026, Dowsing appeared at Sheffield Crown Court for a campaign of abuse where he repeatedly raped a child.
The investigation established that Dowsing continuously assaulted the child over a three-year period. Following a five-day trial that concluded on 16 January 2026, a jury rejected Dowsing’s attempts at deception and found him guilty of the offences. The prosecution reported that the victim showed immense courage throughout the legal process, which was vital in securing the conviction.
Judicial Findings and Support
The court reported that the abuse was prolonged and required a substantial custodial term. Investigating Officer Simone Stacey of South Yorkshire Police noted that the victim displayed extraordinary resilience. The judge emphasised that the 16-year sentence reflected the severity of the crimes and the impact on the survivor.
The judge emphasised that the court saw through Dowsing’s denials. The prosecution noted that his actions were “abhorrent” and required long-term monitoring to protect the public. For his crimes in the Clowne area, the court determined that strict preventative measures were necessary upon his eventual release from prison.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Clowne, Derbyshire, Paul Dowsing was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 16 years in immediate custody.
- SHPO: A 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were imposed for life.
- Restraining Order: A formal order was granted to protect the victim.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Dowsing is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Derbyshire Constabulary and South Yorkshire Police. His history of repeated rape against a child means his status remains under scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Dowsing must comply with notification requirements regarding his residence in Clowne. Authorities state that his 20-year SHPO is a tool to manage the risk he poses. Any breach of his registration conditions, his SHPO, or his licence terms following his release will result in his immediate return to Sheffield Crown Court.
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