JOHN ROLLASON OF PLYMOUTH FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN COURT HEARING
A 68-year-old man named John Rollason, who has a prior conviction for rape, was found guilty by a jury of assaulting a woman and attempting to offer her money for sexual favors.The victim described feeling "disgusted, shocked and angry" during the incident.
Court proceedings revealed that Rollason was jailed 30 years ago for raping a woman after knocking her out with a hitchhiker-style attack and driving her to Dartmoor.
The judge has adjourned sentencing to allow for probation and medical assessments, warning Rollason that he risks returning to prison.
It was noted that Rollason, a grandfather, has Type 2 diabetes and uses an oxygen cylinder, as heard in Plymouth Crown Court.
During the trial, the victim recounted how Rollason put his head into her chest, touched her top, and held her tightly, preventing her from escaping.
Opening the case for the Crown Prosecution Service, prosecutor Ed Bailey stated, "She felt disgusted, shocked and angry by what happened," adding that Rollason had offered her cash if she permitted him to continue his advances.
The woman managed to run away and leave the scene, later confiding in family and friends about the incident.
She did not report it to police until more than 18 months later, in August 2020.
Rollason, of Southern Close, Weston Mill, denied sexually assaulting the woman on November 29, 2018.
He claimed that his head touching her chest was accidental but admitted to complimenting her on her breasts.
He denied groping her, saying he only had a "smutty sense of humour" and described himself as a "Benny Hill" type, referencing the risqué comedian of the mid-20th century.
Despite his arguments, the jury quickly convicted him in under two hours with a unanimous verdict.
Judge Robert Linford released Rollason on bail until his sentencing date on April 13, clarifying, "The fact that I am ordering reports and readmitting you to bail is no indication whatsoever of the sentence you will receive.
You may leave and meet your wife outside." Prior to the verdict, prosecutor Bailey reminded the court of Rollason's previous conviction: he had been jailed for six years for rape in 1992, a detail not introduced during the trial.
Bailey explained that at that time, Rollason had posed as a taxi driver on Union Street, picked up a female passenger, driven her to Dartmoor, and assaulted her.
