DECLAN GOODBY FROM THORNTON-LE-DALE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT NEAR YORK

In February 2017, a young man named Declan Goodby from Thornton-le-Dale was convicted of attempting to sexually assault a teenage girl shortly after watching the film "50 Shades of Grey."

According to court reports, Goodby's actions left the girl so terrified that she was unable to speak or defend herself. Witnesses described how she froze in fear, unable to even attempt to punch him despite her clenched fists, as she was overwhelmed by the shock of the incident. The prosecuting attorney, Andrew Semple, detailed the distress caused to the victim during the hearing.

Judge Andrew Stubbs QC, after reviewing psychiatric and probation reports on Goodby, who was 18 at the time of sentencing, expressed concern over his attitude towards women. The judge remarked, "You show troubling attitudes towards women and how they can and should be treated," highlighting the seriousness of the case.

During the proceedings, a victim impact statement was read aloud, revealing how the girl continues to be affected by Goodby’s actions. She described how her confidence has been severely damaged and how her ability to form new relationships has been hindered by the trauma she experienced.

In sentencing, Goodby was ordered to serve 27 months in a young offenders' institution. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years. A lifelong sexual harm prevention order was also issued, explicitly prohibiting him from having any contact with the victim for the rest of his life.

It was clarified during the trial that there was no sexual relationship between Goodby and the girl prior to the incident. Goodby, who pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault and attempted rape, committed these offences just before his 17th birthday. During the court hearing at York Crown Court, he was visibly emotional, crying as prosecutor Semple described the details of his crimes.

Judge Stubbs condemned Goodby, stating, "You used her for your own sexual gratification," emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct. In his defense, solicitor advocate David Camidge acknowledged that Goodby faced particular difficulties and lacked maturity, but also noted that he had shown remorse for his actions.

Camidge also pointed out that the psychiatric assessment did not reveal any underlying issues that might suggest a risk of escalation or future re-offending. He added that Goodby had experienced a difficult childhood but was currently making progress within the social services establishment where he was placed.

Given that Goodby was only 16 at the time of the offences, the judge decided to reduce the sentence accordingly, reflecting his age at the time of the crimes.