ANDREW HOWARD FROM BISHOP AUCKLAND JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN COUNTY DURHAM

In a case that has shocked the local community of Bishop Auckland, Andrew Howard was sentenced to 20 months in prison after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. The incident took place on the evening of October 23 of the previous year, in a well-known car park area called The Batts, situated in Bondgate, Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

According to court proceedings, Howard, who was 21 at the time, had consumed three bottles of inexpensive wine prior to the incident. He and his friends had encountered a group of girls in the car park that evening. During the encounter, while his friends took two of the girls for a drive, Howard was overheard making inappropriate remarks to the 15-year-old girl, asking her, “Are you game? Are you up for it?”

Prosecutor Shaun Dodds explained that the girl followed Howard down an embankment, and the Crown’s case suggested that Howard’s intentions were not solely for non-sexual interaction. It was believed that he anticipated some form of sexual activity, although not necessarily intercourse. During the act, the girl became visibly upset and attempted to push Howard away. Witnesses observed her distress and saw her break down emotionally in front of her friends. Concerned onlookers then helped her to a police vehicle, where she was taken for assistance.

It was also noted during the trial that this appeared to be her first experience of sexual intercourse. When questioned, Howard claimed he believed the girl was 17 and insisted that she had consented to the activity. However, the court did not accept his account.

Howard’s defense team, represented by Mark Styles, presented character references to the court, describing him as a well-regarded young man with a long-term girlfriend of four years and a supportive family background. They acknowledged that Howard was remorseful for his actions but emphasized that his intoxication that night had impaired his judgment.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Beatrice Bolton highlighted Howard’s intoxication and assertiveness during the incident, describing his behavior as somewhat forceful. She sentenced him to 20 months in prison and imposed a sexual offenders’ prevention order, which restricts his future contact with individuals under 16. Additionally, Howard is required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, underscoring the seriousness of his offense and the court’s stance on protecting minors in the community of Bishop Auckland.