DARRIN HELLOWELL SENTENCED IN EASTBOURNE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 16-YEAR-OLD
A convicted sex offender, Darren Hellowell, 29, has been warned he faces a potential jail sentence after he groped a 16-year-old girl on Eastbourne seafront.The incident occurred on the beach adjacent to Eastbourne Pier, after Hellowell approached the teenager and asked her for a cigarette lighter.
Lewes Crown Court heard how Hellowell touched the girl inappropriately and made suggestive remarks.
Despite her friends telling him to leave, the intoxicated man persisted with his unwanted advances.
Police nearby responded quickly, arresting Hellowell, who claimed during police interview that he had little memory of the assault.
In a Victim Impact Statement, the girl described her feelings: "When he first approached me he made me feel on edge as I didn't know him.
When he went to touch my legs I felt scared and afterwards I felt shocked and upset by the incident." Prosecutor Simon Allen explained that the attack took place around 11:30 pm on September 1 of the previous year.
He stated: "A 16-year-old girl was out with friends in Eastbourne.
They started at Western Lawns around 8:30 pm and later moved towards the Pier, where they sat on the beach.
The defendant approached them initially asking, 'Have you got a lighter?'" According to Mr.
Allen, after the girl replied that she did not have a lighter, Hellowell placed his right hand on her left leg above the knee and slid his hand upward.
The girl, sitting with her knees up, moved her legs and told him to get off.
She was visibly shocked and frightened.
Her friends intervened and told him to leave.
The prosecutor added: "Hellowell then leaned forward and placed his hand in the same area.
When she pushed him away, he made suggestive comments, and she responded, 'Don't even look at me.'" Police, who were nearby, arrested Hellowell within minutes.
It was revealed that Hellowell had previously been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years in 2005 for grabbing a woman's private parts in Kent.
However, he failed to notify police of his location within three days of his release.
He pleaded guilty to sexual assault and failing to comply with the Sex Offenders Register.
During the hearing, his lawyer, Daniel Frier, offered no mitigation.
Recorder Richard Benson, QC, adjourned sentencing until February 15 to evaluate Hellowell's potential threat to the public.
The judge emphasized that all sentencing options remain open, especially since this is his second sexual offence, which prompts a review of his dangerousness.
Hellowell, who has no fixed address, was remanded in custody as efforts continue to secure a place at Avenida Lodge in Upper Avenue, a facility supporting individuals with alcohol problems.
Recorder Benson noted: "Even if funding is available, he could still face some form of custodial sentence."
