Man jailed for 13 years after non-recent rape and sexual assault

A man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison in connection with non-recent rape and sexual assault offences.

Following an investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Non-Recent 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.

Detective Constable Sam Hunt, from the constabulary’s Non-Recent Sexual Offences Investigation Team, said: “I would like to praise the victim for her courage and bravery in reporting Charles Boswell’s crimes to the police, and for the dignity she has shown in what has been a challenging process.

“Boswell’s actions have had a long-lasting impact on the victim’s life, and I hope that this lengthy sentence goes some way in giving her closure and allows her to move forward with her life."

Becoming a victim of sexual assault is never your fault. If you’ve been a victim, no matter how long ago the offence occurred, please report it. We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation. The constabulary also has a number of officers who are specially trained to provide support to members of the LGBT+ community.

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support. The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them. This service is open to everyone – men, women and young people, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

To contact Herts SARC, call the 24/7 helpline on 0808 178 4448, email them at [email protected] or visit their website (opens in a new window).