DANIEL CAKE AND THE SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN HAVANT

In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community of Havant, a 16-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, became the victim of a serious sexual assault carried out by Daniel Cake, a 42-year-old man residing on Blendworth Crescent. The assault occurred in the middle of the night when Cake entered the girl’s bedroom while she was sleeping, leading to a traumatic experience for the young victim.

According to proceedings at Portsmouth Crown Court, Cake, who was under the influence of alcohol and possibly other substances at the time, took advantage of the girl’s vulnerable state. He assaulted her sexually without her consent, an act that has left deep emotional scars. The court was told that shortly after the assault, the girl’s boyfriend woke up and, witnessing the situation, kicked Cake off the bed in an attempt to protect her. This act of defense was followed by a commotion in the household, which had been hosting a party the previous evening.

The disturbance escalated when a man at the party punched Cake in the face before he was forcibly removed from the premises. The police were promptly called to the scene, and Cake was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the assault. At the time of his arrest, police noted that Cake appeared to be in a state of intoxication, having consumed up to 12 beers, smoked cannabis, and possibly taken cocaine, though Cake could not recall the specifics of the incident, as stated by prosecutor Charles Digby.

The teenager later provided a statement detailing the profound impact the ordeal has had on her life. She expressed feelings of dirtiness and violation, explaining that she had to undergo a police medical examination following the attack. She revealed that her sense of safety and confidence has been shattered; where once she was sociable and independent, now she feels the need for constant company and has become paranoid in certain situations. She questioned her own innocence, asking, “What did I ever do to him?”

The girl’s mother, speaking out after the hearing, expressed a mixture of pride and disappointment. She praised her daughter for handling the situation with strength but also voiced her shock and frustration over the leniency of the sentence handed down to Cake. She said, “I cannot believe he walked,” and emphasized her desire for justice, stating, “He just has to be a good boy now for a while and that’s it. I wanted him to be sent to prison.” Further, she expressed feeling let down by the justice system, questioning what message the current outcome sends to the community.

The judge at Portsmouth Crown Court, Judge Timothy Mousley QC, harshly condemned the act, describing it as “appalling and shocking.” He acknowledged Cake’s claims of remorse and noted that he is a man of good character with no previous history of sexual deviancy or related offenses. The court was informed that Cake, despite the seriousness of the charges, could be eligible for rehabilitation.

Although the maximum penalty for the sexual assault charge is up to 10 years of imprisonment, the judge decided to impose a more lenient sentence, considering the potential for behavioral change. Cake was sentenced to 16 months in jail, suspended for two years. He was also required to complete 35 days of rehabilitation programs, and he received a 10-year restraining order along with a sexual harm prevention order. Additionally, he is mandated to register as a sex offender for the same duration.

Throughout the proceedings, Cake’s defense attorney, Jason Halsey, described the incident as “shocking, humiliating, and embarrassing,” emphasizing the inexplicability of the offense given Cake’s otherwise good character. The defense highlighted that Cake, who is a father, showed remorse for his actions and had no prior history of sexual misconduct. The court was told that Cake’s behavior was entirely out of character, and the judge noted that those who know him believe he typically does not engage in such conduct.

This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of sexual violence on victims and their families, as well as ongoing concerns about justice and rehabilitation for offenders in Havant.