NATHAN MAXWELL SENTENCED FOR ASSAULT AND SEXUAL OFFENSES IN SUNDERLAND
A 24-year-old man named Nathan Maxwell assaulted and later sexually abused a woman during a night out in Sunderland last year.Maxwell struck the woman twice in the face before fleeing the scene when witnesses intervened, but subsequently committed a sexual assault on her.
The incidents occurred in June 2022, with Maxwell first punching the woman in the face and then hitting her again on the chin.
He appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced for both common assault and sexual assault.
Prosecutor Emma Dowling explained that the woman had been out drinking in Sunderland that day and was unfamiliar with the area, stating she was "not sure" where she was at the time.
She said, "Later that day, Maxwell 'grabbed' her.
He grabbed her and pulled her back.
She tried to pull away, but couldn't." Ms Dowling continued, "He suddenly punched her to the right cheek and then punched her again on the chin.
She was shocked, went quiet, and then collapsed." Witnesses present during the assault confronted Maxwell, who then ran away from the scene.
The court was told that after the attack, Maxwell also sexually assaulted the woman, who was left with bruising to her chin.
Defence lawyer Brian Hegarty noted that Maxwell had no previous convictions of a similar nature and had a "fairly full job history." He added, "He tells me he has a contact at an agency who would be able to use his skills readily." Judge Amanda Rippon sentenced Maxwell, of Glendale Avenue, Concord, Washington, to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years.
She also ordered him to complete 45 days of rehabilitation activities and pay £1,000 in compensation to the victim within six months.
An indefinite restraining order was also put in place.
Additionally, Maxwell will be on the sex offender registry for 10 years.
Judge Rippon concluded by warning him, "Any breaches will be reserved to me.
You do not want to come back to my courtroom… you need to grow up." She emphasized the seriousness of his actions and his need to take responsibility for his conduct.
