DANIEL EDWARDS FROM WORCESTERSHIRE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN WORCESTER
A man named Daniel Edwards has been sentenced to prison following a disturbing sexual assault that took place in Worcester.The incident occurred in a residential flat located in the Warndon area during the summer of 2013, where Edwards, then 28 years old, unlawfully entered the victim’s home through a kitchen window.
The victim, a woman in her 40s, was sleeping when Edwards attacked her in her bedroom, an assault that would later be classified as sexual assault by penetration.
According to court proceedings, the woman had previously rejected Edwards’s advances and was unaware of his presence until she awoke.
She initially thought she was experiencing a bad dream but soon realized the severity of the situation when she saw Edwards, who was described as being “half-naked,” engaging in a sexual assault.
The woman, who was startled and frightened, swore at him and demanded that he leave her house immediately.
Her reaction was one of shock and fear, as she believed she was in danger of being strangled during the assault.
Jurors heard that the woman woke up to find Edwards in her bedroom, and her immediate response was to confront him, asking what he was doing and telling him to get out.
Edwards denied the allegations, claiming that he only shook her to wake her up because he was looking for a place to stay after being locked out of his own home.
Despite his claims, the court found him guilty of assault by penetration, and he was subsequently convicted on Friday at Worcester Crown Court.
Judge Nicholas Cole sentenced Edwards to six years in prison, with half of that time to be served behind bars.
The judge emphasized that the offense was particularly serious because it was committed in the early hours of the morning, and Edwards had been drinking at the time.
The court noted the aggravating circumstances surrounding the case, including the fact that the assault occurred during the night and that Edwards had a prior history of inappropriate conduct towards the victim, who had previously told him she was “old enough to be his mum.” Following the sentencing, the victim expressed her feelings about the ordeal.
She revealed that she had hoped for an apology from Edwards but had never received one.
She described him as having “no conscience” about his actions.
The woman, who chose not to use a screen during her testimony, shared that she continues to suffer mentally from the trauma.
She often sleeps on her sofa because she cannot bear to sleep in her bed, where the assault took place.
Her mental health issues have led her to seek psychiatric help and be prescribed antidepressants.
In her comments about Edwards, she described him as a “sexual predator” and expressed a sense of relief that women might now feel safer.
Edwards, who hails from Pershore, Worcestershire, is now subject to indefinite notification requirements, meaning he must inform police of any change of name or address.
Additionally, he is prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults.
It is also noteworthy that Edwards was acquitted of other charges, including assault by penetration against a girl aged 13 to 15, which was alleged to have occurred between 2008 and 2011.
He was also cleared of trespass with intent to commit a sexual offense concerning the woman in her 40s.
The court’s verdict reflects the specific circumstances and evidence presented during the trial, leading to his conviction solely for the assault in Worcester.
