JULIE HEMINGWAY FROM HEMSWORTH JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL ON BUS IN WAKEFIELD

In a disturbing incident that took place in July 2013, a woman identified as Julie Ann Hemingway from Hemsworth has been sentenced to prison following her involvement in a sexual assault on a teenage girl aboard a bus. The incident occurred on a bus route traveling from Wakefield to Upton, where Hemingway's actions shocked witnesses and prompted legal action.

According to court proceedings held at Wakefield Magistrates' Court, Hemingway, aged 31 at the time, was found to have engaged in inappropriate and unlawful conduct towards a 17-year-old girl during the journey. The court was informed that Hemingway, who was visibly intoxicated, boarded the bus at Ackworth with a male companion. During the ride, she initiated a conversation with her young victim, asking, “Are you bisexual? Because I am,” in a manner that was both intrusive and inappropriate.

Prosecutor Richard Ogden detailed that Hemingway then proceeded to touch the girl’s hair and made comments about her appearance, describing her as “gorgeous.” The teenager, clearly uncomfortable, attempted to assert her age by stating she was only 17. However, Hemingway dismissed her concerns, replying, “Age is just a number. A woman knows what a woman wants,” further crossing boundaries and escalating the situation.

The court heard that Hemingway then groped the girl, an act that was witnessed by a man who had also boarded the bus with her. This man took photographs of the incident, which added to the evidence against Hemingway. The situation was eventually brought to an end when a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) entered the bus, allowing the victim to raise the alarm and seek help.

During the court hearing, the teenage victim submitted a heartfelt statement, expressing her desire for Hemingway to feel remorseful for her actions. She stated, “I want her to be sorry for what she has done.” Hemingway, in her defense, admitted her wrongdoing, stating, “I’ve done wrong. I shouldn’t have done it and I’m sorry.”

After considering the evidence and the impact on the victim, the magistrates decided on a custodial sentence. Hemingway was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison and was also ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of seven years. The bench chairman, Malcolm Clowson, emphasized the court’s stance, saying, “We feel we have no options left open to us today other than a custodial sentence,” underscoring the seriousness with which the court viewed the offense committed in Hemsworth, Wakefield.