NATHAN MCPOLAND AND HIS SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CUMBRIA
A man whose actions have been described as utterly despicable has been formally sentenced after committing a serious sexual assault in Cumbria.Nathan McPoland was handed down a prison term of two years and three months following his guilty plea to the charges.
The incident occurred in the early hours of March 9, 2019, along the alleyway connecting Cavendish Street and Slater Street in the town of Barrow.
Despite admitting to the assault during his court appearance, McPoland initially denied the offence altogether when questioned by police and claimed that he was not in the town centre that night.
This contradiction added another layer of distress for the victim, who showed remarkable bravery in coming forward to report the attack.
The case drew significant attention from local officials and community leaders.
Hindpool councillor Joanne Tyson expressed her strong disapproval of McPoland's actions and was one of the voices condemning his behaviour.
She praised the victim for her courage in speaking out and navigating the police and judicial processes, emphasizing that such bravery often requires immense strength.
Cllr Tyson criticized the length of the sentence, describing it as insufficient given the severity of the crime.
She stated, “I was disgusted by the sentence given for such a serious crime against this poor woman.
She was very brave to come forward and report the crime, and follow through with the process to get this man off the street.
It was despicable that McPoland initially denied the crime which must have added to the woman’s distress.
I am glad he has been jailed and I give thanks to the Police for securing the conviction but the sentence is not long enough for something so serious.” Detective Constable Matthew McFall of the Cumbria Crime and Safeguarding team publicly acknowledged the victim’s role in ensuring justice was served.
He expressed gratitude toward her for bringing the matter to police attention, affirming that her actions likely helped protect others from similar harm.
Constable McFall stated, “I would like to publicly thank the complainant for coming forward to report this matter to the Police.
I have no doubt her actions have helped safeguard others.” In addition to his prison sentence, McPoland will now be subjected to the sexual offenders’ notification requirements, which involve registering as a sex offender, and will be subject to a restraining order that will remain in effect for ten years.
These measures are designed to prevent any further harm and ensure public safety.
The punishment for McPoland drew a response from Peter McCall, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria.
He expressed his strong disapproval of McPoland’s actions and stated that he hopes this outcome will help bring closure to the victim.
Mr.
McCall remarked, “I think any type of sexual assault is an appalling crime.
This sort of sentence should send out a message that sexual assault is unacceptable.
I am pleased to see a significant sentence for this crime, which I hope brings some sort of closure to the victim.
I hope that anyone who suffers from sexual assault will come forward to the police as they will take any matter seriously, as shown by the sentencing of this man.” Barrow’s Mayor, Cllr Helen Wall, also addressed the incident, describing it as deeply upsetting and unsettling for the community.
She emphasised that such actions are criminal and will result in serious consequences, including jail time.
Mayor Wall voiced her support for the victim and her appreciation that she was heard and adequately supported by the police.
She said, “It is a deeply unpleasant and upsetting thing to happen to someone – it is very distressing.
It is not what we want happening in the town and I hope other people will realise it is a criminal offence and you will end up in jail if you do commit sexual assault.
I am glad that the woman was listened to and police investigated the offence.”
