ANDREW BERRIDGE FROM GRANTHAM JAILED AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT IN NOTTINGHAM

In a case that has shocked the local community, Andrew Berridge, a man residing in Grantham, was sentenced to six months in prison following his conviction for sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Nottingham. The incident, which took place in Nottingham, involved Berridge touching the girl and kissing her, actions that left her feeling frightened and confused, as she described during court proceedings.

According to the court, the teenage girl expressed her distress, asking Berridge what he was doing. His response was dismissive, telling her, "it wasn’t so bad," before he proceeded to touch her again. The girl reported the assault to the police, leading to Berridge’s arrest. At the time of his arrest, Berridge, aged 61 and living on Long Street in Great Gonerby, Grantham, initially denied any wrongdoing. However, during the court hearing held in October, he pleaded guilty to the sexual assault committed in Nottingham.

Judge Nigel Godsmark QC, presiding over the case, commented on Berridge’s actions, describing the incident as a moment of complete loss of self-control. The judge noted that Berridge had no prior convictions related to similar offenses, which was taken into account during sentencing. Berridge is expected to serve half of his six-month sentence before being released. Additionally, the court ordered him to sign the sex offenders’ register for a period of seven years and prohibited him from working with children.

Further restrictions were imposed through a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which limits his contact with minors, and a restraining order to control his movements. In mitigation, Robert Egbuna, representing Berridge, acknowledged his client’s acceptance of responsibility and expressed that Berridge was a proud man who was appalled by his own behavior. Egbuna pointed out that text messages from Berridge indicated an admission of guilt and emphasized that, despite past troubles, Berridge had led a law-abiding life for many years.

He also stated that there was no clear explanation for his client’s conduct on that particular day, highlighting that Berridge had previously behaved admirably. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting any suspicions of child abuse. Authorities urge anyone who suspects a child is being abused or who has been a victim of sexual assault to contact emergency services by calling 999. Additional support and advice can be obtained by calling Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, the Nottinghamshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Topaz Centre) at 0845 600 15 88, or Nottingham Rape Crisis at 0115 9410 440.