YORK MAN LOUIS HARKUS JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN YORK NEIGHBORHOOD

A man from York, Louis Andrew Harkus, has been sentenced to prison after committing a disturbing sexual assault that left a woman traumatized and publicly humiliated. The incident took place in August 2019, when Harkus encountered the victim at a local pub. Following their meeting, the two decided to walk back to her residence together. During this walk, Harkus engaged in a heinous act that would have lasting repercussions for the woman involved.

According to court proceedings, Harkus forcibly stripped the woman from the waist down and performed a sexual act on her without her consent. The assault was so severe that after the incident, Harkus left her lying in her own front garden, still partially undressed, exposing her to neighbors and passersby. The victim, visibly distressed, tearfully recounted her experience during the court hearing, revealing that she only realized what had happened the following morning. She explained that she was unaware of her attacker at the time and described that day as one of the worst in her life.

In the aftermath of the assault, the woman took steps to protect herself, including installing a panic alarm linked directly to the police station in her home. She also carries a personal panic alarm at all times, and her mental health has been significantly affected. She is now on anti-depressants and medication to manage her anxiety. Her family, especially her mother, has been deeply impacted by the incident, with her mother expressing concern and anxiety about her safety, particularly when she goes out in the evenings.

Prosecutor David Bradshaw provided additional details, stating that the woman had been out drinking with her boyfriend that night and remembered little about the events, only waking up on a sofa with a paramedic speaking to her. Initially, Harkus was charged with rape, but forensic evidence led to a change in the charge to sexual assault. The court was informed that forensic analysis revealed Harkus’ semen on the victim’s underwear, confirming his involvement. Witnesses also saw a man fleeing from the victim’s garden in the early hours of that morning, further corroborating the victim’s account.

Louis Harkus, aged 28 and residing in Sanderson Court in the Chapelfields area of York, pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault. His defense attorney, Glenn Parsons, explained that Harkus believed the victim was interested in having sex because she had asked him to walk her home. Mr. Parsons acknowledged that both parties had consumed a significant amount of alcohol, and Harkus accepted that the woman was too intoxicated to give proper consent. He also highlighted that Harkus has learning difficulties, which affect his judgment and decision-making. The defense argued that Harkus requires assistance and education to reduce the risk he poses to the public in the future, suggesting that he would benefit from courses aimed at improving his understanding and behavior.

Judge Sean Morris addressed Harkus directly during sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. He stated, “You removed her lower clothing. She was completely out of it. She would have been in full view of her neighbors. Having satisfied yourself, you then just trotted off, leaving her half-naked in front of her own house for all the world to see. It would be outrageous if you weren’t locked up. She would have been in full view of her neighbors, this is not something she would have done if she was in proper control of her faculties.”

Ultimately, Harkus was sentenced to 17 months in prison. The judge condemned the act as degrading and humiliating for the victim, describing it as a wicked offense that warrants serious punishment.