In 2022, Richard Owen, the Winsford Paedophile, a former choirmaster, who sexually molested 14 boys at churches in the North West 50 years ago, was sentenced to imprisonment.
Richard Owen, alias Franklyn Stanowski, encountered the youngsters after their enrolment in the choir at churches in Winsford, Knutsford, and Altrincham.
In secluded areas, away from adult supervision, Richard Owen instructed them to disrobe from the waist down to be struck on the buttocks for his sexual enjoyment, according to Cheshire Constabulary.
The incidents occurred between 1968 and 1998 while the boys were under 16.
A 70-year-old man from Winsford, Richard Owen, confessed to 27 offences related to the indecent assault of minor boys and was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Chester Crown Court today.
The investigation by Cheshire Constabulary into Richard Owen’s offences commenced after a review of earlier instances of allegations of sexual abuse, initiated by the Church of England.
Richard Owen was apprehended on 25 March 2020 and indicted in January 2022.
During sentencing, Judge Leeming deemed Richard Owen a dangerous offender and a threat to young boys.
Detective Inspector Dave Hutcheon, of Cheshire Constabulary’s major investigation teams, stated: “Richard Owen exploited vulnerable and innocent children, betraying their trust for his own sexual gratification while simultaneously becoming infatuated and obsessed with them.”
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