Charles howeson biography

A disgraced former Royal Navy commander and prominent Plymouth businessman has been jailed for seven years and six months years for sexually abusing eight young men.

Charles Howeson, aged 68, gave a solitary nod towards the judge as he stood and was led down the stairs of Courtroom 8 at Bristol Crown Court to begin his sentence.

Last year, following a six week trial, a jury agreed with the Crown Prosecution Service’s claim that the self-made millionaire had abused his positions of trust and authority to isolate and take advantage of young men.

They heard how he had groped a two junior ratings on a Devonport warship, a handyman at his impressive Crownhill home and six volunteers at the Groundwork Trust – some of whom he targeted in dark tunnels under Drake’s Island or in derelict buildings at Royal William Yard.

The case only came to light after a man came forward in 2015 claiming to have been the victim o