DAMIAN PETERS FROM GREAT CORNARD AND GRIMSBY SENTENCED AFTER SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Great Cornard and Grimsby, Damien Peters, a 20-year-old man, was found guilty of indecently assaulting a 14-year-old girl in March 2011. The incident, which took place in Great Cornard, was brought to light during a hearing at Ipswich Crown Court, where the details of Peters' actions and subsequent legal proceedings were thoroughly examined.

According to the prosecution, led by Robert Sadd, Peters had been heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident. Witnesses reported that he had been following the young girl through the streets of Great Cornard, seemingly under the influence of alcohol. The court heard that Peters had encouraged the girl to walk alongside him, and during this interaction, he attempted to kiss her and make inappropriate physical advances. The situation escalated until the girl’s cries for help drew the attention of a nearby member of the public, prompting Peters to flee the scene.

Law enforcement officials quickly identified Peters as the suspect. He has a troubling criminal history, including previous convictions for assault and robbery, which made him a known figure to police. After his arrest, Peters admitted to the sexual assault charges, pleading guilty during the court proceedings.

In his defense, defense lawyer Ian James highlighted that Peters’ life circumstances had been thoroughly examined in a detailed pre-sentence report prepared by the Probation Service. The report, spanning ten pages, outlined various issues in Peters’ personal life that may have contributed to his behavior.

Judge Rupert Overbury, presiding over the case, addressed Peters directly during sentencing. He described the assault as “an extremely frightening and shocking episode for a 14-year-old girl.” The judge also noted that Peters’ intoxication played a significant role in his actions, stating, “Had it not been for the fact you had been drinking, appearing as the victim describes ‘off your face,’ you probably would not have behaved in the way that you did.”

As part of his sentence, Peters, who was formerly residing in Great Cornard but has since moved to Grimsby, was given a three-year community order. This order requires him to participate in programs aimed at addressing issues related to sex offending and alcohol misuse. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years and was subject to a restraining order that prohibits any contact with his young victim.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of young individuals in local communities and highlights the importance of legal measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.