MATTHEW ROBINSON CHIPPENHAM SEX ATTACKER SENTENCED TO A YEAR IN JAIL

In a disturbing incident that took place in Chippenham, Matthew Robinson, aged 23, has been sentenced to a year behind bars following a violent sexual assault on a homeless woman. The assault occurred during the early hours of December 28, 2008, in the deserted Bath Road car park, a location often frequented by those seeking shelter or work.

According to court reports, Robinson, who resides on Hewlett Close in Chippenham, followed his victim across the dark, empty parking lot. As she made her way from a nearby shelter where she had been staying, presumably in search of employment at a local fruit stall, Robinson approached her with lewd and inappropriate suggestions. The situation quickly escalated when he forcibly pushed her to the ground and began to physically assault her, punching her hard in the face. During the attack, Robinson also pulled down her trousers and underwear, subjecting her to a terrifying and vulnerable situation.

The assault was interrupted when two vehicles entered the car park, their headlights illuminating the scene. Witnesses later identified Robinson as the man straddling the 36-year-old victim and recognized him as he attempted to flee the scene, doing up his flies as he ran away. Lynne Henderson, a witness, recounted that one of the drivers recognized Robinson and saw him fleeing the scene. She also noted that Robinson was shouting abuse as he made his escape.

When questioned by police later that day, Robinson claimed he was a Good Samaritan who had entered the car park after hearing screams, intending to help the victim. He stated that he saw a man standing over a woman with his trousers down and that he had kicked the man, causing him to run off. Robinson also claimed he was crouching over the victim when the cars arrived, which startled him. Despite his claims, he was charged with attempted rape, a charge he initially denied.

However, on the day of his trial, Robinson changed his plea and admitted to sexual assault before the jury was sworn in. The case was heard at Swindon Crown Court, where Judge Euan Ambrose sentenced him to a year in prison. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offense, highlighting that the victim was alone, vulnerable, and subjected to violence in the middle of the night. Robinson was also ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years as part of his sentence.

Judge Ambrose underscored the gravity of the crime, stating, “This was a serious sexual assault. It was on a woman alone in the middle of the night. She was subjected to violence and she was a vulnerable person; she is a homeless person.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals and the importance of justice in such cases.