JEREMY MITCHELL PLEADS GUILTY TO SEXUAL ASSAULT IN PLYMOUTH
In a disturbing case that unfolded in Plymouth, a man named Jeremy Mitchell, aged 52, was found guilty of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in her own home.The incident took place over the course of the evening on February 19, 2015, and the court proceedings revealed chilling details about the nature of the offense.
According to court records, the assault occurred while the young girl was half asleep on her sofa, with her father nearby watching television.
The court heard that Mitchell was present in the same room, perched on the arm of the sofa close to the girl’s head.
The victim later recounted to police that she could feel Mitchell’s fingers touching her and that she had felt his hand down the back of her jeans, an act of sexual misconduct that left her deeply traumatized.
Following the incident, the girl confided in her parents later that evening, telling her father that Mitchell had been “touching me in the wrong places.” This confession prompted an investigation, during which forensic evidence played a crucial role.
DNA analysis revealed Mitchell’s DNA on the inside back of the girl’s pants, confirming his physical contact.
Additionally, the girl’s DNA was found underneath Mitchell’s fingernails on his left hand, further substantiating her account.
Mitchell, who resides on Outland Road, denied any wrongdoing during his trial.
He claimed that he had not touched the girl at all and expressed confusion over the forensic evidence presented against him.
Despite his denial, the jury took less than two hours to reach a verdict, finding him guilty of sexual assault.
During sentencing, Recorder Dunkels QC described the circumstances of the offense, stating, “In a dimly lit room with the girl lying asleep beside you, you took the opportunity when her mother was out of the room and her father was watching TV.
You took a tentative touch of her clothing, and when she did not stir, you went further inside her clothing, touching her inappropriately.” The judge emphasized the profound impact of Mitchell’s actions, noting that his behavior had caused significant distress to the victim, her family, and his own.
Mitchell was sentenced to two years in prison, with the stipulation that he would serve half of that term behind bars and the remaining half on license.
Furthermore, he was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years and will be registered as a sex offender for the same duration, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.
