Dangerous Predator Receives 13-Year Sentence for Sexual Assault of Schoolgirl
A dangerous sexual predator who targeted a 13-year-old girl in a Colchester nature reserve has been sentenced to 13 years in prison, with an additional eight years on extended licence. Dominic Boultwood, 28, was already a registered sex offender when he committed the horrific assault in May 2024.
Preying on a Vulnerable Victim
On May 9, 2024, Boultwood lured the young schoolgirl into a wooded area of Bourne Valley Nature Reserve in Colchester. After engaging her in sexualised conversation and confirming her age, he pulled her to the ground and sexually assaulted her. The predator then warned the victim multiple times not to report the incident to police or tell anyone what had happened.
The distressed girl was crying and asked to leave, but Boultwood instructed her to remain at the scene for five minutes while he walked away. When she eventually returned home, she confided in a friend, who alerted authorities immediately.
Forensic Evidence Secures Conviction
Essex Police investigation revealed numerous pieces of evidence pointing to Boultwood, with DNA discovered on the victim's clothing proving crucial to the case. Despite his initial claims of fishing in the nature reserve on the day of the offence and denying any contact with children, the forensic evidence contradicted his account.
During a second interview, when presented with the DNA evidence, Boultwood provided a prepared statement suggesting his DNA could have been on the girl's clothing because he regularly slept and urinated in the area. This claim was dismissed by investigators and the court.
History of Sexual Offending
Boultwood had previously received a seven-year sentence in 2015 for a separate sexual assault, comprising four years in custody and three years on licence. At the time of the Colchester attack, he was subject to notification requirements and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which allowed monitoring software to be installed on his mobile phone.
Police charged Boultwood with sexual assault and assault by penetration, and he was remanded in custody. During his trial at Ipswich Crown Court in March last year, he also faced a charge of making indecent images of children after examination of his mobile phone revealed sexualised images of children aged between three and 13.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
A jury convicted Boultwood of all three offences. When he appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on February 25, he was deemed a 'dangerous offender' and sentenced to 13 years imprisonment. In addition to the prison term, he received eight years on extended licence and will remain subject to indefinite notification requirements and a renewed Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The court also imposed a lifelong restraining order to protect the victim. Judge Martyn Levett stated that Boultwood had 'manipulated a very young girl to fulfil his sexual desire' and emphasised that nature reserves should be spaces where children feel safe to walk without any sense of danger.
Police Response and Victim Tribute
Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector James Holmes from Essex Police commented: 'Boultwood is a dangerous sexual predator who poses a very real risk to young girls. Despite his previous imprisonment for sexual offending and the strict conditions imposed upon him as a registered sex offender, he chose to completely disregard those matters – showing utter contempt for his victim and the law.'
The detective inspector added: 'We firmly believe he was fully aware of his despicable actions in preying on a lone 13-year-old schoolgirl and knew we were looking for him in the days after the offence. He has never shown the slightest remorse. Thanks to the evidence we gathered, a jury saw through his lies and convicted him over his horrific actions. He is now back where he belongs – in prison.'
DI Holmes paid tribute to the victim, stating: 'I want to pay tribute to the victim, who has shown patience and bravery throughout this investigation. I hope that, with the support of her family and those around her, she is able to move forward.'
