A teenager who was sexually abused by her father and his partner after she moved in with them has bravely spoken out. Demi Howes, now 18, waived her right to anonymity to share her story.
Demi tracked down her biological father, Matthew Ward, on social media through his partner, Sophie Eason, and went to live with them at age 15 after escaping a chaotic and abusive home environment. She said she was excited to finally find a place where she could 'be safe and belong' and be a normal teenager.
However, shortly after her 16th birthday, Ward told Demi he could now 'do what he wanted' and began having sex with her. Eason became involved too, participating in the horrific abuse. The abuse was discovered when Ward's phone was seized by police following an unrelated incident.
Victim Impact Statement
In her Victim Personal Statement read in court, Demi described how she felt confused when Ward began flirting with her and sexualising her. She said she thought the comments were compliments and perhaps normal for a father. But when he kissed her at 15 and later told her he could do what he wanted after she turned 16, she realised the abuse.
'It's sick to think about, my own dad having sex with me and the woman I called mum joining in,' she said. 'At the time, I thought it was Dad and Sophie just being Dad and Sophie; they made me think it was normal.'
Demi said some people still do not believe her, and some family members have rejected her. She called the pair 'dangerous paedophiles' who should never be allowed near children. She suffers from night terrors and PTSD as a result of the abuse.
Police Investigation
Detective Constable Gabrielle Rouse described Demi as an 'extremely brave and tenacious young woman' who fought for justice despite not having a secure support system. Police found messages on Ward's phone indicating he tried to instigate a sexual encounter between himself, Demi, and another woman. Further examination showed Eason's involvement.
Ward and Eason were arrested in March 2025 and initially denied charges. On the first day of trial in September 2025, they changed their pleas. Ward admitted to non-penetrative and penetrative adult sexual activity with a girl family member age 13-17, making indecent images of a child, and distributing indecent images of a child. Eason admitted to non-penetrative and penetrative adult sexual activity with a girl family member age 13-17.
Sentencing
At Derby Crown Court on June 12, Ward was sentenced to 15 years and four months in prison, and Eason to two years and eight months. Both received indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, indefinite Restraining Orders regarding Demi, and must register with the police indefinitely.
