ALEX BUTLER FROM WOOTTON BASSETT ESCAPES PRISON AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN COATE WATER

In April 2017, a serious case involving a young girl and a man from Wootton Bassett drew significant attention from local authorities and the community. Alex Butler, aged 20 and residing on The Rosary in Wootton Bassett, appeared in court after admitting to the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in June of the same year, was marked by a series of troubling events that unfolded over the course of an evening.

According to court proceedings, Butler had initiated contact with the young girl via the Snapchat messaging app, knowing that she had recently turned 14 and was experiencing a difficult period in her life. Recognizing her vulnerability, Butler persuaded her to accompany him to Coate Water, a popular local nature reserve known for its scenic beauty and frequented by families and visitors. At approximately 9 pm, Butler arrived at her residence, picked her up, and drove her to the car park at Coate Water, where the alleged incident occurred.

Prosecutor Kate Prince detailed the events that transpired inside the vehicle. She explained that Butler offered the girl a hug, which was described as awkward due to the presence of the car’s centre console. During this embrace, he pulled her onto his lap, and the court was told that he began touching her inappropriately. The girl’s statement described being touched on her breasts, her legs, and in between her legs. When she questioned Butler about his actions, he reportedly responded, “I was bored.”

The girl expressed her fear and shock during the ordeal, describing her feelings as being “really scared” and “really shocked.” The incident in the car lasted approximately 40 minutes, after which Butler returned her to her home around 11 pm. The court heard that Butler had no previous convictions and arrived at the hearing with an overnight bag, fully aware that he could face imprisonment.

Initially, the prosecution requested that the case be transferred to the Crown Court, where the sentencing powers are greater than the six months available to magistrates. However, the magistrates decided to retain jurisdiction and adjourned the case to allow for a Probation Service report. This report recommended a high-level community order, including participation in a programme designed to reduce the risk of reoffending among sex offenders.

After careful consideration, the magistrates concluded that the case was too serious to be dealt with solely through a community order. Mrs. Deborah Couzens, the chair of the bench, stated, “Given the level of harm in this case the starting point is six months custody. But we think in the circumstances that this can be suspended.”

As a result, Alex Butler was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years. During this period, he is required to complete a sex offender treatment programme and undertake 25 days of rehabilitation activities as directed by the Probation Service. Additionally, he will remain on the sex offenders’ register for the next seven years. The victim, protected by law through lifetime anonymity, is entitled to privacy and confidentiality, and social media comments should respect this legal right.