JAMES STARK FROM BEDFORD SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BEDFORD
A Bedford man, James Stark, aged 25, of West Rope Way, has been sentenced to four years in prison after sexually assaulting a woman as she slept.Stark, who was out drinking with friends in Bedford, returned to the victim’s home in a taxi before carrying out the attack in August 2017.
According to Bedfordshire Police, after a period of conversation, the victim went upstairs to bed, leaving Stark on the sofa.
Moments later, she was awakened to find Stark on top of her, and she begged him to stop.
Stark then fled the scene, leaving behind his trousers, hat, mobile phone, and passport at the victim’s house.
He was subsequently arrested later that morning at his residence.
The victim immediately went to her mother to report what had happened.
In her victim statement, she described how Stark’s actions had turned her life upside down and negatively affected her mental health.
Stark faced trial in December, where the jury found him guilty of assault by penetration but acquitted him of rape.
On Monday, February 22, at Luton Crown Court, Stark received his sentence and will also be registered as a sex offender for life.
DC Brendan Street, who led the investigation, stated: "I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward.
She was amazing throughout the trial and continued to support the investigation despite a number of trial delays.
I would also like to praise her family who attended every day of trial and sentencing.
Stark’s actions have not only had a significant impact on the victim but also adversely affected her family." He added, "Stark subjected his victim to a horrible ordeal; no woman should ever be made to feel unsafe.
Our message to offenders is clear: no always means no.
We have a dedicated team of trained officers and support services working closely with the victim and her family.
We understand this can be difficult to talk about, but we are here to listen, help, and support you if you are ready."
