man has escaped a prison term after pleading guilty to attempted sexual assault in the ladies’ toilet of a local pub

MAN HAS ESCAPED A PRISON TERM AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO ATTEMPTED SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE LADIES’ TOILET OF A LOCAL PUB

A man from Barnard Castle was given a community order after admitting to attempting a sexual assault in a pub toilet.

Adrian Wood, aged 35 and residing on Montalbo Road, appeared at Durham Crown Court where he pled guilty to charges of attempted sexual assault and indecent exposure.

The incidents occurred on December 20, 2024, following a day of alcohol and cocaine use.

The court heard that the victim entered the women’s toilets when Wood followed her inside.

Initially, she thought his behaviour was unusual but not threatening until he entered a cubicle and called her over, claiming he was unwell.

When she approached, Wood had his trousers and underwear lowered.

As he tried to grab her, she escaped the toilets.

Judge Nathan Adams emphasized the seriousness of the incident and its impact on the victim, noting she lost confidence in going out afterward.

Wood had little memory of the events due to intoxication from alcohol and drugs.

On December 29, 2024, further details came to light, including that he had received a police caution the day after for possession of a Class A substance.

Although the offense was serious, Wood was not sentenced to prison but received an 18-month community order.

This includes six months of alcohol rehab, 20 days of probation work, and an obligation to provide his details to police within three days.

A five-year restraining order was issued to prevent contact with the victim or visiting her home.