Brighton man jailed for sexually assaulting vulnerable woman
James Scott was sentenced to 18 months in prison
A man has been jailed after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in Brighton earlier this year.
James Scott, a 45-year-old of no fixed address, was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Lewes Crown Court on 5th December for three counts of sexual assault.
The court heard that on 7th June, Scott approached the victim, a woman in her 20s who was not known to him, in the St James’s Street area of Brighton. Witnesses reported seeing Scott grabbing the woman, trying to stand her up, and giving her alcohol while she was in a vulnerable state.
Scott then sexually assaulted the victim while she was not fully conscious and without her consent. When confronted by witnesses, Scott claimed the woman was his girlfriend though the two had never met.
The victim received support from specially-trained officers after the incident, and witnesses were praised for their actions during and after the assault.
“This was a distressing incident on a vulnerable victim that was witnessed in full view of witnesses," said Detective Inspector Kirstie Neal. "I would like to thank the victim for her support for our investigation, we were determined to get justice in this case. I also want to thank all the witnesses who challenged Scott, supported the victim, and contacted the police to ensure swift action could be taken.”
Detective Inspector Neal added that police take reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and encouraged other victims to come forward. Scott was acquitted of one count of attempted rape.
Further support for victims of rape and sexual assault is available on the Sussex Police website.