LEON CAMPBELL SENTENCED IN THETFORD FOR PREDATORY SEXUAL ASSAULT
A young woman displayed remarkable courage when she bit and kicked out at a teenage attacker in an effort to prevent a what was described as a "terrifying" sexual assault along a quiet footpath, a court heard.Leon Campbell, 19, followed a teenage girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and committed a sexual assault in a grassy area in Thetford.
During the proceedings at Norwich Crown Court, the victim was walking past the Blaydon Bridge in Thetford when she sensed someone behind her.
Prosecutor Richard Potts explained, "The victim decided to run but became somewhat breathless and stopped near a grassed area off Canterbury Way when she turned and saw the defendant right in front of her." Mr.
Potts detailed how Campbell grabbed the girl, who later described his expression as one of wielding all his power and having complete control, as if he could do anything he wanted.
The victim tried desperately to scream but felt as if her voice was suppressed.
Campbell attempted to cover her mouth, but she bit him, breaking a fingernail in the process.
He then threw her to the ground, where she fought back by kicking him, trying to stop his attack.
Despite her resistance, Campbell managed to touch her breasts and access her trousers.
After hearing what he thought was someone nearby, he got up and ran away.
The victim fled home, breaking down and telling her family she had been "attacked and nearly raped." Mr.
Potts highlighted her vulnerability, noting she was walking home late at night through a isolated area.
Campbell, of Toxteth, Liverpool, appeared in court on March 11 for sentencing after previously admitting to two sexual assaults that occurred around 11:20 pm on June 3 of the previous year.
Before sentencing, the victim read a heartfelt statement describing how her life had changed since the attack.
She shared her struggles with sleep, nightmares, and stress, explaining she now needs her dog or her boyfriend nearby.
She revealed she takes anti-depressants and has had to secure her windows, fearing further intrusion.
She added, "I cannot sleep in silence and have to have the television on because all I can hear is me telling you to stop and the thud as I was thrown down." Expressing her pain, the victim said, "I feel like I can't get myself out of this situation and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
I feel what you have done to me will never go away." Judge Katharine Moore sentenced Campbell to an extended term of 10 years, consisting of four years detention in a young offenders' institution and six years on licence.
The judge described the attack as a "terrifying ordeal" and classified Campbell as a dangerous offender who poses a significant risk of causing serious harm through similar offences.
Despite the trauma inflicted, the judge acknowledged the victim's bravery and emphasized that her suffering has been both profound and lasting.
Defense attorney Adam Norris described Campbell as an "enigma," noting that he was 18 at the time and is remarkably inarticulate and awkward.
Norris added that the assault was opportunistic rather than planned, given that they simply happened to be on the same path at the same time, with no evidence of premeditation.
Campbell was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.
A further hearing to decide if Campbell should be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) was adjourned until a later date.
