Adam Fowler

A sexual predator from Spennymoor, County Durham, has been sentenced to over six years in prison for a series of child sexual offences spanning several years. Adam Fowler, aged 36, targeted a vulnerable young girl, beginning his grooming when she was approximately eight years old. The abuse continued into her mid-teens, involving repeated coercion to send nude images in exchange for money, attempts to pay her for sexual intercourse, and a direct sexual assault.

The offences came to light when the victim, now a young woman, disclosed the abuse to her mother, who promptly contacted Durham Constabulary. An investigation ensued, leading to Fowler's arrest. Specialists examined his seized mobile phone and discovered more than 100 indecent images of children stored on the device. Fowler was charged with multiple counts, including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child, paying for sexual services from a child, making indecent images of a child, and causing a child to view images of sexual activity after sending explicit photos of himself to another girl via Snapchat.

Initially, Fowler admitted to making indecent images and paying for sexual services but denied the other charges. However, ahead of his trial at Durham Crown Court, he changed his pleas to guilty on all counts. On 22 October 2025, he was sentenced to six years and four months' imprisonment. Additionally, an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed, along with a ten-year restraining order barring any contact with the victim.

In her victim impact statement, the survivor detailed the lasting trauma: 'Everything that happened with Adam, from being a small child and then throughout my teenage years, has affected me in many ways, of which I am still dealing with and coming to terms with now. Although I have come a long way, and would say I am a different person now, I do still have moments where everything plays on my mind. I definitely still have a way to go before I feel I can fully put this behind me and I’m able to have closure from it.' Detective Constable Kimberley Elms from Durham Constabulary’s South Safeguarding Team commented on the case: 'Fowler is a sexual predator whose actions have had a profound effect on the two young girls he targeted. For several years, he used a young, vulnerable girl for his own sexual gratification with no regard whatsoever for her wellbeing or consideration for the enduring psychological trauma that he has caused. By contrast, she shown tremendous courage in coming forward and giving evidence against her abuser.' This case, reported by Durham Constabulary on 23 October 2025, underscores the force's commitment to pursuing child sex offenders.