GEORGE SOFRONIOU'S CRIME IN WEST BROMWICH: SEX OFFENDER'S PRISON SENTENCE REDUCED AFTER ATTACK IN LEICESTERSHIRE

In a significant legal development, George Sofroniou, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, has seen his indefinite prison sentence overturned following a court appeal. Sofroniou, who resides in West Bromwich, was previously convicted of multiple sexual assaults and misconduct, including a disturbing incident that took place in his fish and chip shop located in Coalville, Leicestershire.

According to court records, Sofroniou, aged 70, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in October 2005. The assault occurred in the back room of his shop, where he exposed himself and inappropriately touched the young victim, putting his hands down her trousers and top. The court described this act as a severe breach of trust, emphasizing the potential for long-lasting psychological harm to the victim.

In addition to this recent conviction, Sofroniou was also convicted of two counts of indecent assault on a 15-year-old girl in 1988. His criminal history further includes a 1983 conviction for managing a brothel, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior over the years.

Following his conviction at Nottingham Crown Court in April, Sofroniou was sentenced in June to an Indefinite Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP). This type of sentence is akin to a life term, as it requires the offender to demonstrate to the Parole Board that they are no longer a threat before being released. The initial sentence included a minimum term of 18 months, but the indefinite nature meant that Sofroniou could remain incarcerated for an extended period.

During the appeal hearing, the Court of Appeal considered arguments that the original sentence was excessively harsh, especially given Sofroniou’s age and declining health. The court was also informed that he no longer intended to operate the fish and chip shop, which had been a setting for his criminal activities. The judges, including Lord Justice Richards and Mr Justice Collins, acknowledged that the original sentencing judge had characterized Sofroniou as posing a “significant risk” to the public, a conclusion the appellate court found to be unfair.

Mr. Justice Wilkie, presiding over the appeal, highlighted that the assault on the 16-year-old girl was a “gross abuse of trust” and could have serious, long-term effects on the victim. Despite this, the court decided that the original sentence was “manifestly excessive” considering Sofroniou’s age and health issues. Consequently, the court quashed the indefinite sentence and replaced it with a two-year prison term, marking a significant reduction in his incarceration period.