KEITH MANN FROM SKELTON SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN TEESSIDE

In a harrowing case that has left a lasting impact on the victim, Keith Mann, a 44-year-old man from Skelton in east Cleveland, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of sexual assault and assault by penetration. The conviction was delivered following a second trial at Teesside Crown Court, which took place in April, after an initial hearing in January was abruptly halted due to Mann collapsing as his victim was about to give her evidence.

During the first trial, the proceedings were interrupted when Mann, a builder by profession, suddenly became unwell, prompting an ambulance to be called to the court. The case was subsequently adjourned, but Mann’s health issues persisted, and he appeared to suffer from panic attacks, as his barrister, Christopher Knox, explained to the court. Mr. Knox stated that Mann had been receiving treatment for these attacks and emphasized that his client was not in good health, describing his condition as “not well at all.”

In the subsequent trial, Mann again appeared to experience health problems, this time visibly in front of the jury. The court heard that Mann’s health issues had significantly affected his ability to participate in the proceedings. Mr. Knox described Mann as “a particularly damaged man” and highlighted that his health problems were genuine, not feigned or fake. The judge, Judge Peter Bowers, was informed of Mann’s health struggles and the impact they had on his ability to stand trial.

Throughout the case, the court was made aware of the profound and lasting effects that Mann’s actions had on his teenage victim. The victim, who was subjected to Mann’s sexual assault in her own home, recounted how the ordeal of giving evidence in court was an extremely traumatic experience. Prosecutor Alexander Menary presented a victim impact statement in court, revealing that she had lost her job due to her inability to concentrate and was undergoing counseling to cope with the trauma.

Mr. Menary described her words, stating, “She describes giving evidence as the worst three hours of her life. She also says she no longer feels comfortable speaking to men of a similar age to the defendant and describes the trial as an awful and distressing experience.” The victim’s testimony underscored the severe emotional toll that the case had taken on her.

Judge Bowers noted that the severity of Mann’s offending was compounded by the fact that the assault took place in the victim’s own home. He also acknowledged the distress caused by the trial process, recalling how the victim had to take breaks during her evidence to cope with the emotional strain. The judge emphasized that the process of giving evidence can be as distressing, if not more so, than the original events themselves, and he expressed his concern over the profound effect the case had on the victim.