ANTHONY BRAITHWAITE FELIXSTOWE PAEDOPHILE CHEF FREED FROM JAIL AFTER SEVEN WEEKS

In a surprising turn of events, Anthony Braithwaite, a chef from Felixstowe with a troubling past, has been released from prison after serving just seven weeks of a sentence that was initially considered severe. Braithwaite, who was convicted of engaging in inappropriate sexual activity with a minor, was sentenced to 21 months in prison at Ipswich Crown Court in September. However, the Court of Appeal, sitting in London, later overturned his sentence, ruling that he should not have been imprisoned at all.

According to court records, Braithwaite, aged 38 and residing on Shotley Close in Felixstowe, was convicted of attempting to seduce a 15-year-old girl. The incident reportedly took place in 2005 at his home, where he sat on a bed with the girl, offering her alcohol, hugging, kissing, and touching her thigh. He also attempted to undo her trousers, but ceased his advances when she resisted and made it clear she was a virgin. After the incident, Braithwaite drove her home, apologizing for his actions during the journey.

The original sentence of 21 months was heavily criticized by the Court of Appeal. Judges Mr. Justice Sweeney, Lord Justice Pitchford, and Mrs. Justice Slade stated that the punishment was excessive and unjustified, especially considering that the touching was over clothing and did not involve genitalia. They emphasized that the girl was close to the age of consent, which further influenced their decision.

Mr. Justice Sweeney remarked, “Although the learned judge had the advantage of presiding over the trial, we can see no basis for the sentence that he passed, which must, therefore, be quashed. In our judgment, he should not have been sentenced to imprisonment at all.”

In light of these findings, the court replaced the original sentence with a conditional discharge, imposing a 12-month period during which Braithwaite would be under supervision. The judges noted that the circumstances of the case warranted a lenient approach, given the context and the nature of the conduct.

It is also noteworthy that Braithwaite, who has prior convictions, none related to sexual offenses, was acquitted of additional charges during the trial. He had faced allegations of raping three girls aged between 14 and 15 between November 2004 and July 2005 but was cleared of all these accusations.

His release has sparked discussions about sentencing and the justice system’s handling of cases involving minors and sexual misconduct, especially when the conduct is deemed less severe by appellate courts. Braithwaite’s case remains a controversial example of how legal technicalities and judicial discretion can significantly alter the course of justice.