CHRISTOPHER PARTRIDGE FROM REDRUTH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON GIRL IN HIS BED
| Red Rose Database
Redruth Sexual Abuser
In February 2009, a distressing incident unfolded in Redruth that has left a lasting impact on a young girl and the local community. A 14-year-old girl was awakened to an unimaginable and terrifying scene when she discovered a stranger, later identified as Christopher Partridge, sexually assaulting her in her own bed. The horrifying event took place during the night, shattering her sense of safety and security in her own home.
Prosecutor David Evans addressed the court on Wednesday, describing the profound psychological trauma inflicted upon the young victim. Since that night, she has been plagued by daily panic attacks and flashbacks, symptoms that have severely disrupted her daily life. The court was told that the girl’s mental health has deteriorated significantly, with her having to keep a light on at night to feel safe, and engaging in self-harm as a way to cope with the emotional pain. Her personality has undergone a noticeable change, which has adversely affected her relationships with her schoolfellows, further isolating her from her peers.
Judge Christopher Elwen, presiding over the case at Truro Crown Court, expressed his condemnation of Partridge’s actions. He sentenced the 32-year-old man to three years in prison, emphasizing the severity of the crime and its impact on the victim. The judge highlighted that the girl’s suffering was “not surprisingly” extreme, given the nature of the assault. Partridge, who resides in West End, Redruth, pleaded guilty to the charge of assault by penetration, a serious sexual offence.
In addition to his prison sentence, Partridge was ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was banned from working with children, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The judge remarked that Partridge’s previous failure to respond to non-custodial sentences made this case particularly grave, leaving no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence. “Your behaviour was appalling and disgraceful,” the judge stated, condemning the attack as “particularly unpleasant,” fueled by alcohol, and committed against a complete stranger.
Despite the seriousness of the offence, the court acknowledged some mitigating factors. Partridge had pleaded guilty early in the process, thereby sparing the girl from having to testify in a public trial. He also expressed remorse for his actions. When arrested, Partridge admitted to having consumed a significant amount of cider and beer, along with snorting two grams of cocaine he had purchased for £80. His defence lawyer, Sean Brunton, explained that Partridge had been intoxicated to the point of being in an “alcoholic autopilot state,” which contributed to his inability to control his actions. Brunton emphasized that the assault was unplanned, that the girl was not targeted, and that the touching was brief. He also pointed out that Partridge accepted responsibility from the outset and was deeply ashamed of his conduct.
It was also noted that Partridge had previous convictions, though none related to sexual offences. The 107 days he had spent in custody on remand will be deducted from his sentence, providing some measure of credit for his time served. The case underscores the devastating impact of the assault on the young victim and highlights the importance of strict sentencing to protect the community from individuals who pose a danger to others.
Prosecutor David Evans addressed the court on Wednesday, describing the profound psychological trauma inflicted upon the young victim. Since that night, she has been plagued by daily panic attacks and flashbacks, symptoms that have severely disrupted her daily life. The court was told that the girl’s mental health has deteriorated significantly, with her having to keep a light on at night to feel safe, and engaging in self-harm as a way to cope with the emotional pain. Her personality has undergone a noticeable change, which has adversely affected her relationships with her schoolfellows, further isolating her from her peers.
Judge Christopher Elwen, presiding over the case at Truro Crown Court, expressed his condemnation of Partridge’s actions. He sentenced the 32-year-old man to three years in prison, emphasizing the severity of the crime and its impact on the victim. The judge highlighted that the girl’s suffering was “not surprisingly” extreme, given the nature of the assault. Partridge, who resides in West End, Redruth, pleaded guilty to the charge of assault by penetration, a serious sexual offence.
In addition to his prison sentence, Partridge was ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was banned from working with children, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The judge remarked that Partridge’s previous failure to respond to non-custodial sentences made this case particularly grave, leaving no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence. “Your behaviour was appalling and disgraceful,” the judge stated, condemning the attack as “particularly unpleasant,” fueled by alcohol, and committed against a complete stranger.
Despite the seriousness of the offence, the court acknowledged some mitigating factors. Partridge had pleaded guilty early in the process, thereby sparing the girl from having to testify in a public trial. He also expressed remorse for his actions. When arrested, Partridge admitted to having consumed a significant amount of cider and beer, along with snorting two grams of cocaine he had purchased for £80. His defence lawyer, Sean Brunton, explained that Partridge had been intoxicated to the point of being in an “alcoholic autopilot state,” which contributed to his inability to control his actions. Brunton emphasized that the assault was unplanned, that the girl was not targeted, and that the touching was brief. He also pointed out that Partridge accepted responsibility from the outset and was deeply ashamed of his conduct.
It was also noted that Partridge had previous convictions, though none related to sexual offences. The 107 days he had spent in custody on remand will be deducted from his sentence, providing some measure of credit for his time served. The case underscores the devastating impact of the assault on the young victim and highlights the importance of strict sentencing to protect the community from individuals who pose a danger to others.