ADAM THOMPSON FROM ISLE OF WIGHT SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SOUTHERN VECTIS BUS
In a disturbing incident that took place on the Isle of Wight, Adam Thompson, a 42-year-old man residing on Hookes Way in Newport, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman aboard a Southern Vectis bus.The assault occurred on March 22, and the case was brought before the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court, where Thompson appeared last Friday, August 19, to face sentencing.
According to prosecutor Liz Miller, the victim was traveling on the Route 3 bus from Ventnor when the incident unfolded.
She was seated in the front row of the upper deck with her young son.
During the journey, Thompson began engaging in inappropriate behavior, initially striking up a conversation with the woman's son.
He made lewd comments, telling the boy that some girls have 'nice arses,' which was clearly inappropriate and unsettling.
As the journey continued, Thompson leaned over the woman, who was trying to distance herself from his advances.
When she attempted to move away, he called her a 'silly cow,' further demonstrating his disrespectful attitude.
In an effort to defuse the situation, the woman pretended to make a phone call to her husband, hoping this would deter Thompson from continuing his misconduct.
Despite her efforts, Thompson crossed a line by stroking her breast, an act that visibly upset her and prompted her son to intervene, telling him to leave his mother alone.
Following the assault, the victims disembarked at Newport Bus Station.
Concerned for their safety, they decided to go to a nearby McDonald's, believing it to be a safe place.
Unfortunately, Thompson followed them into the restaurant.
Staff members at the fast-food outlet quickly recognized the situation and contacted the police.
Law enforcement officers arrived promptly and arrested Thompson at the scene.
Thompson was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to the sexual assault.
In court, he was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes participation in a 120-day alcohol abstinence program.
Additionally, he was placed on the Sexual Offenders' Register for a period of five years.
As part of his sentence, Thompson is also required to pay court costs amounting to £85 and a surcharge of £95.
It is noteworthy that Thompson's criminal history includes a 2017 conviction involving his ex-girlfriend, Laura Harding.
She was found guilty of sending intimate pictures of herself to individuals posing as 13-year-old girls, known as 'paedophile hunters.' Harding admitted to two charges of engaging in sexual communication with a child, highlighting a troubling pattern of concerning behavior.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance and swift law enforcement response in addressing sexual misconduct in public spaces on the Isle of Wight.
