GRAEME WARD OF BURNHAM SENTENCED TO NINE MONTHS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Burnham, Graeme Ward, aged 39, has been sentenced to nine months in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage girl. The incident took place in September of the previous year, and Ward appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court on a recent Friday to face sentencing.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Raj Joshi detailed the disturbing nature of Ward’s actions. He explained that Ward had been sleeping on the same sofa as the victim during the night of the assault. According to Joshi, Ward had placed his head on her shoulder and cuddled up close to her, creating an uncomfortable and inappropriate situation. The court was told that around 5:30 a.m., the girl attempted to remove herself from the situation by taking the blanket off herself. However, Ward then repositioned the blanket over her and proceeded to touch her inappropriately underneath it.

The prosecutor emphasized that this incident marked a culmination of a series of inappropriate behaviors exhibited by Ward towards the girl. These behaviors had been ongoing and included lewd comments and gestures. Joshi recounted that Ward had made remarks such as “your boobs are massive” and “you look pretty,” which contributed to the distress experienced by the victim. Furthermore, Ward had made lewd suggestions, followed her into changing rooms, and once wiped ketchup off her breasts with a tissue after she had spilled some on herself.

The impact of Ward’s actions on the victim was profound. Joshi described how the girl’s life had been severely affected, leading her to become socially isolated. She now refuses to leave her house unless accompanied by someone she trusts. The court heard her express feelings of fear and anxiety, stating, “I feel scared when I go out and I think I see Graeme when he is not there.”

In delivering his judgment, Recorder Peter Brook-Smith acknowledged the deliberate nature of Ward’s contact with the victim. He noted that Ward’s behavior was not isolated but part of a pattern of inappropriate and sexual conduct. The judge expressed his belief that Ward was sexually attracted to the girl, which motivated his actions. He emphasized the seriousness of the offense, highlighting that the circumstances made it even more grave. The court’s decision reflects the severity with which such misconduct is viewed, especially given the impact on the victim’s well-being and sense of safety.