DAVID KOVAC AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN WARRINGTON
A man who engaged in an unsettling sexual assault during a night out in Warrington has narrowly avoided a prison sentence, despite the seriousness of his actions.David Kovac, aged 35, assaulted a young woman in the town centre, in the midst of a bustling street scene, leaving a trail of emotional distress that has affected his victim profoundly.
The incident took place in October of the previous year.
According to court reports, Kovac approached the woman—who was unfamiliar to him—on Bridge Street during the early hours of the morning.
Without consent, he proceeded to grab her to the genital area and attempted to kiss her.
The young woman repeatedly told Kovac to back off, but he ignored her protests and continued his inappropriate conduct.
Witnesses and CCTV footage captured the incident, details of which were brought to light during the legal proceedings.
When questioned by the police, Kovac claimed he could not remember the event, citing his heavily intoxicated state at the time.
During the police interview, he acknowledged seeing the CCTV footage of his conduct but insisted he was unaware of the woman's identity.
He denied any ill intentions, stating that he was “raised appropriately” and claimed to “respect women.” The victim, in a heartbreaking impact statement read in court, expressed ongoing trauma resulting from the assault.
She revealed that she has been unable to relax since the incident, suffers from sleep disturbances, poor appetite, and is overwhelmed by anxiety and nervousness.
Her fear of stepping out again underscores the profound psychological scars inflicted by the attack.
Defense lawyer David Robb described Kovac as remorseful and expressed regret for his actions, emphasizing that this behavior was out of character for his client.
Robb noted that Kovac, who is a single man with no children and residing in Warrington's Orford area, is employed and supports his family in Slovakia through remittances.
His client was reportedly “extremely drunk” at the time and “completely appalled” by what transpired.
The court was also informed that Kovac regularly sends money back to his parents in Slovakia.
Despite the gravity of the incident, the judge recognized the guilty plea and the absence of previous convictions, deciding to impose a sentence that reflects both the seriousness of the offence and Kovac’s circumstances.
Deputy District Judge Anita Price described the assault as “appalling” and emphasized that it exceeded the threshold for custody, especially considering the circumstances of intoxication and location.
She acknowledged the ongoing impact on the victim.
However, she ultimately suspended Kovac’s sentence, sentencing him to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for two years.
In addition, Kovac must complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity, including participating in a sex offender treatment program.
He is also required to undergo a 60-day alcohol monitoring scheme.
Kovac is mandated to adhere to sex offender registration and notification requirements for seven years.
The judge decided not to order compensation for the victim to avoid re-traumatizing her, but Kovac was ordered to pay court costs of £120 and a victim surcharge of £154.
The court's decisions reflect a cautious balance between punishment, rehabilitation, and awareness of the continuing impacts on the victim in Warrington.
