IAN RUSSELL FROM NEWENT INVOLVED IN SEX OFFENCES AND ALCOHOL ABUSE IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

In June 2017, Ian Russell, a man from Newent, found himself at the center of a serious legal case involving allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive alcohol consumption. The case was heard at Gloucester Crown Court, where it was revealed that Russell, who is notably diminutive in stature at just 5 feet 3 inches tall, has a significant history of heavy drinking, reportedly consuming between 16 and 20 pints of cider daily, amounting to approximately two and a half gallons each day.

Due to his substantial alcohol intake, Russell claimed to have no recollection of the two sex offences he was charged with. These offences included an incident of indecent exposure and inappropriate touching. Specifically, he pleaded guilty to touching a girl under the age of 13 between January 1 and February 8 of that year. Additionally, he admitted to exposing himself to a woman walking along Wye Road in Brockworth on February 7.

The prosecutor, David Maunder, detailed that the incident involving the young girl consisted of Russell touching her over her clothing. The victim, who had known Russell for many years, was walking with a friend and a young boy when Russell approached and then passed them. According to the prosecutor, Russell shouted at the woman, and when she turned around, she saw him holding his penis in his right hand. The woman instructed him to stop, after which she walked away, feeling disgusted and upset by his behavior.

During police interviews, Russell claimed he could not remember the incidents. He also attempted to deny the allegation of flashing, arguing that because he is left-handed, he would have been holding his member in his other hand, thus making the accusation unlikely. The woman, who had known Russell for a long time, stated that she had become accustomed to his casual sexual advances and other inappropriate behaviors over the years.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC expressed astonishment at the extent of Russell’s drinking, noting that at one point, he was consuming as many as 26 pints of cider daily. The judge remarked that such a quantity was excessive for someone of Russell’s small stature. The defense solicitor, Gareth James, clarified that Russell accepted drinking between 16 and 20 pints daily, emphasizing that this level of alcohol consumption was a significant problem.

Judge Tabor highlighted the health issues associated with Russell’s drinking, including multiple heart attacks, anxiety, and depression. The judge acknowledged that Russell’s alcohol abuse was a major factor in his memory loss regarding the offences and suggested that he needed rehabilitation. The court considered a community order, including a six-month alcohol treatment program and fifteen days of rehabilitation activities, as an alternative to immediate imprisonment. The judge also ordered Russell to pay £200 in compensation to his female victim, along with £180 in court costs and a surcharge, noting that this financial penalty might help curb his alcohol expenses.

Furthermore, Russell was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next five years. The court’s decision aimed to address both his criminal behavior and his ongoing health and addiction issues, with the judge emphasizing that Russell had wasted his life through excessive drinking and inactivity. The court provided him with an opportunity to reform, warning that any breach of the court’s orders would result in his return to custody and potential imprisonment.