JAMES NAVICKAS SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT
A man named James Navickas sexually assaulted a woman and later sent her texts asking her not to report it to the police, Liverpool Crown Court heard.Navickas, 28, of Joules Close, Walton, performed a sexual act on his victim, despite her having previously expressed that she found such acts "abhorrent." Judge Stuart Driver, QC, stated that Navickas had assaulted her when she was "particularly vulnerable," noting, "Because she was so drunk, she was incapable of giving informed consent." The court was told that Navickas and the woman had gone out drinking together before the incident.
Prosecutor Frank Dillon described her as being "eight or nine out of ten" on a drunkenness scale.
She had previously told others that she found a certain sexual idea "abhorrent." After drinking, they went to Navickas's home, where she felt very intoxicated and went to bed, only to wake up the next day in pain with hazy memories.
She recalled Navickas performing sexual acts on her, and reacting by asking, "What the hell are you doing?" She informed friends and family about the assault before exchanging texts with Navickas.
In these messages, he said, "I hope you're feeling better," to which she replied, "I remember what you did, don't deny it." Navickas responded, "I'm so sorry, f***ing idiot me." She called his actions "absolutely disgusting," and he replied, "I know, I don't even know what came over me, can't even say anything because there was no reason for me to do it." She further stated, "It's like rape, just putting it bluntly like," and he agreed, saying, "There's no other way to put it, I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry." She added, "I don't know what to say, like what the actual f***," emphasizing that "it's not like rape, it is rape.” Navickas admitted, "I know, I don't know what came over me," and the woman expressed feeling "scared" of him.
Later, the woman warned Navickas that she would report the assault, saying, "You sexually assaulted me and I will be taking it further.
You're dangerous and me keeping it quiet is making it acceptable." Navickas pleaded, "Please, I'm asking you, as the last thing I will ever say to you, please can you not take it further, I'm looking to get help as soon as possible and speak to a therapist." When first questioned by police, Navickas gave a "no comment" interview, and at that point, the text messages were not available.
However, in a subsequent interview, he largely admitted to his wrongdoing but denied performing the sexual act she found abhorrent and claimed that her intoxication level meant she didn't know what she was doing.
He later pleaded guilty to sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration.
A victim personal statement was read aloud, describing how the woman suffers from anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, feels "she is not in control of anything anymore," and carries a persistent "feeling of shame." She also reported having suicidal thoughts.
She described feeling "like a nervous wreck," which affects both her social life and work.
Prosecutor Dillon noted the ongoing impact of the trauma, emphasizing that she continues to struggle with anxiety and explaining, "It's really hard.
It never goes away - it's always on my mind." Defense lawyer Anthony O'Donohoe acknowledged that Navickas had indicated guilt early on and had made substantial admissions during the second interview.
He argued that alcohol acted as a "disinhibitor" that evening, and Navickas, who had been drinking heavily, experienced impairments in judgment.
O'Donohoe stated, "Had he stepped back, I daresay he never would have engaged in the activity that he did." He highlighted Navickas's good character, employment record, and that he was working toward a managerial role, and asked the court to consider a sentence of two years or less, possibly suspended, with strict conditions for rehabilitation.
Judge Driver recognized these mitigating factors, citing Navickas's "previous good character," positive references, and successful employment history.
He noted Navickas showed "genuine remorse" by confessing immediately in his texts and sentenced him to three and a half years in prison, stating, "You showed genuine remorse by immediately confessing in text messages afterwards." Furthermore, the judge ordered Navickas to be registered on the Sex Offenders Register for life and imposed a restraining order to ensure the victim's protection.
