Paedophile who raped eight-year-old girl and ruined lives of three women likely to “end his days” in prison

By Lynda Roughley

A paedophile from Warrington who ruined the lives of three women by sexually abusing them, including raping one when she was an eight-year-old girl, is likely to “ends his days” in prison.

Liverpool Crown Court heard last Friday that 71-year-old former funeral director and taxi driver Donald Owen – who still denies the offences – “may well end his living days in custody” after being jailed for 21 years.

The offences spanned two decades beginning with him raping and indecently assaulting an eight-year-old girl.
He later sexually molested a teenage girl and Andrew Green, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court that “devastatingly” for the victim her mum did not believe her and her mental health collapsed. She only came forward when the police investigation began into his other abusive behaviour.

Owen next turned his attention to a ten-year-old girl whom he systematically abused over four years until she finally revealed her ordeal.
His behaviour towards her increased in seriousness with time and Judge Stuart Driver, KC, pointed out that one of the offences against her would now be classed as oral rape.
Owen, of Hancock Court, Barry Street, Warrington, had been convicted of 13 offences of indecent assault and one of rape after a trial.

Sentencing Owen, who appeared from prison via video link, Judge Driver told him, “You will be in custody until you are at least 85 and you may remain in prison past your 90th birthday.”
He ordered him to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for life and also imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
In impact statements, the victims told how their lives have been badly affected by his behaviour, one saying how she had moved away from Warrington to start afresh and was hoping that his sentencing would bring closure for her.
The third victim bravely read her impact statement herself to the court and said how his behaviour had controlled her life and she has been left with trust issues.
“You made me feel worthless and deserved what you did to me and I know that is wrong. I am a good person and worthy of someone.”

Carmel Wilde, defending, said, “Regrettably he maintains his innocence.”
She said he has poor health including mobility issues and gastric ulcers as well as poor mental health. She said he suggested his “inexplicable behaviour” related back to the power dynamic with his mother.
“He may well end his living days in custody,” added Miss Wilde.