MAN SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SCHOOLGIRL
Graham Nicholson, aged 31, was sentenced to two years in prison following a sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl who attempted to take her own life after the attack.The incident occurred in Hartlepool, where the girl was admitted to Hartlepool General Hospital following her overdose.
The victim, from east Durham, identified Nicholson as her attacker, and it was revealed that her younger brother witnessed the assault but was ordered by Nicholson to remain silent.
Nicholson, of Seahouse Lane, Easington, had a prior conviction from 1998 for indecent assault on the same girl, for which he was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years.
Originally, he was charged with raping her but was acquitted after the prosecution failed to present evidence.
Prosecutor Shaun Dodds detailed these events in Tees-side Crown Court, where Nicholson pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting his victim.
Defense lawyer Paul Cleasby emphasized that Nicholson viewed the offense as isolated and expressed concern about the lasting stigma.
Judge Peter Bowers advised Nicholson to seek treatment upon release from custody.
