Callum Harrower

A Devon child rapist who sexually abused a primary school aged boy and girl has been jailed for seven years — after the court heard how his crimes left one victim struggling with self-harm and lasting emotional damage.

Callum Harrower, 21, from Plymouth, was convicted of seven offences, including four counts of rape, following a trial at Plymouth Crown Court in September.

His other convictions were two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and one count of sexually assaulting a child under 13.

Behind those convictions are two victims whose lives were profoundly affected by his abuse.

In a statement read to the court, the male victim described how Harrower had stolen his childhood innocence and left him struggling to trust people or maintain relationships.

He said he had turned to self-harm and developed an angry, hardened exterior as a way of shielding himself from what had happened.

Although the abuse had ended, he told the court its emotional scars “will never fully heal”.

The girl’s mother also described the continuing impact on her daughter, saying life had become extremely difficult since the abuse.

The court heard that the boy’s disclosure to his mother led to a report to police and the investigation that brought Harrower to justice.

Harrower was under 18 when he committed the offences. Judge Neil Davey considered the sentencing principles applicable to offending committed as a child, alongside psychological and psychiatric assessments, a medical report and the victims’ statements.

He imposed a seven-year prison sentence and told Harrower he would serve two-thirds in custody before being released on licence.