Sheerness arsonist jailed and given court order

A prolific offender who caused misery for residents in Sheerness has been jailed and handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

Stephen Bowes had been linked by officers to 11 separate crime reports in the last 12 months, and last month a Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court judge found the Seager Road resident guilty of committing arson and multiple acts of criminal damage.

He was also found to have breached a previously imposed Community Protection Notice.

On Tuesday 12 May, the 72 year old was sentenced at Margate Magistrates’ Court to a year in prison and handed a CBO which will stand for the next three years.

Among the conditions enforced by the order, Bowes is banned from entering the garden, pathway or driveway of any premises on Seager Road without permission, making excessive noise anywhere in Seager Road and entering the sports field opposite Seager Road.

Any breach of this order can result in a lengthy prison sentence or a substantial fine.

'Untold distress'

Inspector Julia Bassindale said:

‘Bowes’ sustained and persistent offending has caused untold distress to residents, and we are pleased to have obtained a CBO which will hopefully persuade him to change his ways. ‘This result is a testament to the effective joint working of several teams as well as individual officers such as beat officer PC Alison Honess who put a lot of work into securing this sentence and court order. ‘If Bowes breaks the imposed conditions, he will quickly find himself back in front of a judge and face the consequences of his actions.’