ANTHONY STAWIARSKI SENTENCED FOR PARK ATTACK IN BEDFORD

In October 2003, a disturbing incident occurred in Bedford involving a man named Anthony Stawiarski, who was subsequently convicted and sentenced for his actions. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding it.

Anthony Stawiarski, aged 43 and residing on Fulmar Road in Bedford, appeared at Luton Crown Court to face charges related to an assault on a nine-year-old girl. On Monday, he pleaded guilty to the charge of indecently assaulting the young girl, which took place on the 8th of August earlier that year.

The prosecution, led by Jane Casson, detailed the events that led to the charges. According to her, the girl had been playing in a local Bedford park with a group of children and her uncle. During their visit, her family encountered a problem: they did not have the correct change to access the public toilets. As a solution, they suggested that the girl could go into the bushes nearby while a friend kept watch to ensure her safety.

Tragically, moments after the girl entered the bushes, Stawiarski approached her unexpectedly. He grabbed her and pushed her to the ground, an act that caused immediate distress. Mrs. Casson explained that the girl began screaming and struggling fiercely, which caught Stawiarski off guard. Her uncle, hearing the commotion, rushed to the scene and saw the man lying beside the girl on the ground. The uncle also heard Stawiarski telling her to be quiet and assuring her that he would not hurt her.

In a swift response, the uncle detained Stawiarski until police officers arrived at the scene. The girl was visibly upset, covered in dirt, and appeared very distressed. A medical examination later confirmed the presence of bruises and scratches across her body, indicating she had been physically harmed during the incident.

During police interviews, Stawiarski admitted to reacting impulsively when he saw the girl in the bushes. He confessed to pulling her to the ground and groping her, describing his actions as a spontaneous response. In his own words, he stated, “I pulled her to the ground and groped her,” and expressed deep remorse, saying, “It is dreadful, absolutely dreadful. I am so ashamed and cannot believe what I did. I have never done anything like it in my life.”

The prosecution highlighted that it was unclear to what extent Stawiarski had indecently assaulted the girl, as he admitted to an action that she did not believe he had committed. His defense lawyer, Gerald Pounder, emphasized his client’s remorse and the impact of the incident on his reputation. Pounder described Stawiarski as a previously law-abiding citizen who had discussed his feelings with a probation officer and could benefit from counseling.

Judge Ronald Moss addressed the court, describing the case as both worrying and upsetting. He condemned the defendant’s opportunistic behavior, noting that the girl was alone at the time and that the circumstances were particularly distressing for a young child. The judge sentenced Stawiarski to five years in prison, with an additional three years of extended supervision following his release. Furthermore, he ordered that Stawiarski register as a sex offender for life and prohibited him from working with or caring for children in the future.

This case remains a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the serious consequences faced by those who commit such offenses in Bedford and beyond.