SITTINGBOURNE MAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AFTER EARLY RELEASE FROM PRISON
A man has been found guilty of sexual assault after he groped a woman’s thigh.Amari Ward was jailed for 18 months today (February 27) for touching the victim without her consent outside Sittingbourne Railway Station last year.The incident happened outside the train station.Picture: Google MapsDuring his trial at Maidstone Crown Court this week, the jury heard that Ward had been released early from prison under the government’s scheme prior to the incident.The court was told that within minutes of meeting the victim, who was a "stranger" to him, Ward made several comments of a sexual nature, asking her if she had made a “porn movie” and if she wanted to with him.
He told her he “needed a b*** j**” and made inappropriate comments.At the station in St Michael’s Road, Ward placed his hand on her thigh near her groin twice, but was pushed off both times.
He admitted to placing his hand on her leg but claimed it was only once, just above her knee and not in a sexual way, stating he was “trying his luck” and that they had been flirting.He was arrested in Croydon and during police contact, he initially laughed openly at the accusations.The victim expressed feeling “shocked and angry” and said she felt like a “scapegoat” for the early-release scheme.
The court sentencing was conducted by Recorder David Wood, who said Ward’s early release should have been a cause for celebration but instead he acted outrageously.
The judge highlighted Ward’s poor overall record, his lack of respect for women or authority, and his repeated inappropriate advances.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison and will be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.Detective Sergeant Ed Salusbury-Trelawny issued a statement praising the victim’s courage and emphasizing that sexual offences on the rail network will not be tolerated, urging anyone to report if they experience or see such offences.
