Peter Rowell jailed

Former radio and tv presenter Peter Rowell has been jailed for six years after admitting a string of sexual assaults on teenage girls.

The 53 year old father-of-one, from Wickwar, South Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to 12 counts of indecent assault following complaints from five women.

The assaults occurred between 1989 and the early 1990s when the women were all under 16 years old, the court heard.

Rowell also admitted six counts of making indecent photographs of children, which range from levels one to four - five being the most serious category. He also pleaded guilty to the possession of 464 indecent images, found in his possession in January 2011.

Speaking after sentencing Detective Inspector Jill Kells from South Gloucestershire CID said:

"The sentence passed today is down the courage of the victims who have been willing to come forward and face the possibility of a trial. Their bravery and the determination of my team has led to the conviction of Peter Rowell for offences of sexual assault against young teenage girls.
These crimes clearly demonstrated predatory and grooming behaviour and as a result Mr Rowell will not only serve a custodial sentence but he will be placed on the sex offenders register to be monitored on release from prison.
I hope now that sentence has been passed that Mr Rowell realises the seriousness of these offences and the impact his behaviour has had on his victims.  I can now only hope that this case shows that we treat all allegations of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously regardless of whether these are historical or present day offences."

Anyone who may have been a victim of rape or sexual assault can call police on 101 or 999 or alternatively they can turn to the Bridge at www.turntothebridge.org.