Predator Charles Boswell jailed for rapes in Watford

Charles Boswell, 57, was charged with four counts of indecent assault and three counts of rape in October 2021.

They all involved one female victim and happened in the town between June 1990 and August 1992.

Boswell initially pleaded not guilty to all counts at his first court hearing in 2021, before changing his pleas to guilty on the second day of the trial, on June 22 this year.

Charles Boswell changed his pleas to guilty on the second day of the trial. (Image: Herts Police)

He was sentenced to 13 years’ 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.

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

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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.”

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.

To contact Herts SARC, call the 24/7 helpline on 0808 178 4448, email Herts.SARC@nhs.net or visit its website (opens in a new window)