July 2023

Man jailed for 13 years after rape and sexual assault

A man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison in connection with rape and sexual assault offences against a female child aged under 16

Following an investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team, Charles Boswell, aged 57, of Meredith Street, Nelson, Lancashire, was charged with four counts of indecent assault and three counts of rape in October 2021.

The incidents occurred in Watford between June 1990 and August 1992 and were all against a girl under the age of 16.

Boswell initially pleaded not guilty to all counts at his first court hearing in 2021.

On the second day of the trial, on June 22, 2023, Boswell changed his plea and pleaded guilty to all seven counts.

He was sentenced to 13 years in prison on the same day at St Albans Crown Court, with a two-year extended licence. He will need to serve at least two thirds of his sentence before he is eligible to apply for parole.

A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also imposed, alongside a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim until a further order is made. Boswell was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.