Man jailed for five years for sexual assault in York
It happened in 2021
A man has been jailed, for five years, after sexually assaulting a woman in York.
Matthew Thomas Banks, 40, of Wheldrake, York, was sentenced today (Friday 4 September), at York Crown Court, after admitting sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching.
In the early hours of Sunday 25 July 2021, Banks was at the victim's home when he carried out the offences.
The victim managed to escape from the property and alerted neighbours, who encouraged her to report the incident to police.
Banks was arrested at his home later that day, on suspicion of assault by penetration, but denied the offences during police interviews.
However, forensic evidence supported the victim's account and linked him to the crimes.
After being charged, Banks initially pleaded not guilty and a trial date was set for August 2026. However, on the first day of the trial, he changed his plea to guilty.
Investigating officers praised the victim for her courage in reporting the offences and supporting the prosecution, which ultimately led to Banks being brought to justice.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, the victim described the devastating and long-lasting effect the assault has had on every aspect of her life, including her family life, career and relationships.
She explained that, despite the passage of time, she continues to suffer from panic attacks, anxiety and episodes of dissociation, leaving her struggling at times, to reconnect with the present.
She told the court: “Over the last five years, I have been affected by the sexual assault, as I have woken up panicking in sweats and I have had night terrors and flashbacks.”
She also described how the assault has left her fearful of visiting places she once enjoyed, as well as locations she needs to go to, with the constant fear of seeing him affecting her day-to-day life.
The victim also added the attack left her feeling "less than human", "less of a woman" and as though she was "damaged goods".
She ended by saying: “It has affected almost every aspect of my life and it will take a long time for me to heal fully from this.”
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Sarah Scott, of North Yorkshire Police’s City & Selby Criminal Investigation Department, said: "Banks subjected his victim to a terrifying and traumatic ordeal, which she showed immense courage in reporting to police.
"Not only did he commit these serious offences, but he continued to deny them, only admitting his guilt on the first day of trial. In doing so, he caused further distress to the victim, who faced the prospect of reliving her experience in court.
"Despite the significant impact these offences had on her, the victim remained committed to seeking justice. She bravely provided detailed accounts to investigators and supported the prosecution throughout the case, helping to ensure Banks was held accountable for his actions.
"I hope this sentence provides some closure to her and reassures other victims that sexual offences are treated with the utmost seriousness, by both the police and the courts. North Yorkshire Police remains fully committed to supporting victims, bringing offenders to justice and protecting those who have experienced sexual violence and abuse.
"If you have experienced any form of sexual offence or abuse, I would encourage you to come forward and report it. We will listen, we will support you and we will investigate."
To report a sexual offence, you can call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially-trained officers, or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault, or rape, you can access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone. You do not need a referral, or to have reported an incident to North Yorkshire Police, before you access these specialist support services.
These services can support you in a variety of ways, including offering a confidential discussion, if you are thinking of making a police report, but are unsure what that involves and would like to discuss it.
If you do decide to report to North Yorkshire Police, you will receive support throughout the investigation, court process and beyond. More information can be found on the website.
If you do not require immediate police assistance, then you can report rape and sexual assault via the website here: Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | North Yorkshire Police