Man jailed after sexually assaulting woman in Brigg
James Ward has been sent to prison for nearly five years
A man, who sexually assaulted a woman after a night out in Brigg, has been sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court, to four years and eleven months in prison and will be on the sex offenders register for life.
James Ward, 34, of Bottesford, pleaded guilty to assault by penetration, after approaching a woman who had been socialising with friends at a bar in Brigg during the early hours of Sunday, 1 August 2021.
After engaging her in conversation, Ward left the venue with the woman and took her to a nearby field, before sexually assaulting her. The woman was later found by her friends in a state of distress, while Ward fled the scene.
An investigation was launched to understand the circumstances surrounding the assault and following lines of enquiries, Ward was identified and arrested at his home address on Sunday, 1 August 2021 and subsequently charged.
Leading the investigation, Detective Constable Rebecca McInnis said: “Ward’s actions were abusive and exploitative, targeting a vulnerable woman for his own predatory gratification.
"This traumatic experience will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the woman, and while no outcome can reverse the harm caused, I hope his guilty plea provides some measure of relief.
“We take all reports of rape and sexual offences extremely seriously and remain committed to seeking justice for those who have suffered at the hands of exploitative predators.
“If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, we encourage you to tell someone. Tell a trusted adult or friend, reach out to specialist support agencies, and tell us. We will always do everything we can to hold perpetrators to account for their actions.
“If you suspect that a crime of this nature is taking place, please report it via our non-emergency number 101, or call 999 in an emergency.”