Man given suspended sentence after admitting sexual assault at a property in Filey

A 49-year-old man has been spared jail after he admitted sexually assaulting a young woman at a property in Filey.
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James Purser crept up on the woman who “froze” as he touched her on an intimate part of her body, York Crown Court heard.

He then grabbed hold of her hand and placed it on an intimate part of his own body, said prosecutor Nick Adlington.

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The woman was “crying and very upset” and ultimately reported the matter to police who arrested Purser. He was charged with sexual assault but initially denied the offence, which occurred on September 21, 2018.

York Crown CourtYork Crown Court
York Crown Court

The case had been listed for trial but following an adjournment due to the Covid crisis, Purser finally pleaded guilty and appeared for sentence on Friday in a smart grey suit, white shirt and tie.

The court heard that the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, “froze” as she felt Purser’s stubble pressing against her face.

Mr Adlington said the victim “broke down (and) burst into tears” the following day when she told a friend about what had happened to her.

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Purser – formerly of Filey but now living in Cambridgeshire – was arrested in December 2018 and charged in August last year.

His barrister Barnaby Shaw said Purser had never been in trouble before and had worked all his adult life.

Judge Simon Hickey said that Purser – of Bradshaw Close, Huntingdon – had ruined his hitherto “exemplary life” despite his remorse for the incident.

Purser was given an 18-month suspended jail sentence and placed on the sex-offenders’ register for 10 years.

He was also made subject to a 10-year restraining order banning him from contacting the victim.

In addition, Mr Hickey ordered him to complete a 30-day rehabilitation programme and pay £600 costs.