Man jailed for non-recent sexual assault offences against two teenagers
A 52-year-old man from Halesworth has been jailed after being found guilty of non-recent sexual assault offences against two teenage girls.
Johnathan Chapman, formerly of London Road, Halesworth, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court today (Friday 27 March), where he was sentenced to 34 months in prison.
Chapman was found guilty by a jury of two counts of sexual assault at an earlier hearing, following a six-day trial. The offences took place on separate occasions when the victims, both female, were in their mid to late teens.
As well as the prison sentence, Chapman was handed a five-year restraining order preventing him from contacting either victim. He was also made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
DC Samuel Jones, the investigating officer, said:
“Chapman has proven himself a predator and a danger to women and girls.
He has shown a callous disregard for his victims’ welfare, forcing them to relive their deeply traumatic experiences by denying any wrongdoing and refusing to accept responsibility for his actions.
I would like to commend the victims for their bravery to report the crimes against them, and for their perseverance to seeing the case through to conclusion.
Whilst nothing can undo the impact on their formative years, I hope today’s conviction offers them some comfort in knowing that Chapman is now being brought to justice.”
Support for victims of sexual offences
Police are urging anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault not to suffer in silence and to report it.
Suffolk Survivor Pathway is a single access point for multi-agency support for victims of sexual violence. It brings together six specialist charities to co-ordinate care and support:
https://suffolksurvivorpathway.co.uk/
Further information and details of support services can be found on the Suffolk Constabulary website: Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Suffolk Constabulary
In an emergency, always call 999.