Adrian Howarth

Adrian Howarth, a 58-year-old man from Birkenhead, was sentenced to 20 years in prison at Caernarfon Crown Court for a series of historic child sex offences committed in Flint, Flintshire, during the 1980s and 1990s.

Howarth was convicted of ten offences following a trial in November 2024. The charges included indecent assault, gross indecency with a child, rape, and cruelty to a child. These crimes were perpetrated against three victims, whose identities remain protected for legal reasons. North Wales Police investigated the case, highlighting the bravery of the victims in coming forward despite the passage of time.

Detective Constable Tracey Hughes, the lead investigating officer, described Howarth as a 'dangerous predator' who showed no remorse for his actions. She commended the victims for their courage, stating: 'None of these victims should have been subjected to the despicable abuse Howarth put them through. As a direct result of their courage, a dangerous predator is now behind bars for a significant period of time.' Hughes noted that Howarth forced the victims to relive their trauma during the trial, and all three continue to suffer the long-term impacts of his offending into their adult lives.

In addition to the 20-year custodial sentence, Howarth was required to register as a sex offender for life and was issued lifetime restraining orders to protect the three victims. The case serves as a stark reminder, according to DC Hughes, that sexual offenders will face consequences regardless of when the abuse occurred. She encouraged other survivors of sexual abuse to come forward, assuring them that their evidence would be heard.

The offences took place in Flint, within the jurisdiction of North Wales Police, and the sentencing occurred on 14 January 2026 at Caernarfon Crown Court. No custody image of Howarth was released by the police.