Serial rapist has been imprisoned for life for string of crimes

Dowson targeted a girl in North Yorkshire when she was eight and abused her over a five -year period.

The victim, now adult, said in her impact statement that she remembered that she felt “confused” and “lost respect for herself.”

“During the abuse in the worst case, when I was 13, I felt powerless. I knew it wasn’t fair, but I didn’t know what to do,” she said.

“It was an experience outside the body. I did not actually proceed what happened and its severity up to 15 or 16 years old.

“I was angry. I strived to sleep at night. Certain smells and certain mannerisms from others would cause back flash.”

She said that Dowson’s conviction and conviction were the “final obstacle” to close this chapter in her life.

“I have to live my life now and look at my babies to grow up and be present at this time. I can wake up every day knowing what I needed,” she said.