NICHOLAS WELLS FROM SALISBURY PLEADS GUILTY TO SEXUAL ASSAULT AT HUDSON'S FIELD

In a significant development in a Salisbury-based sexual assault case, Nicholas Wells, a 29-year-old man from Eyres Way, Salisbury, has admitted to committing a serious sexual offence that occurred nearly two years ago. The incident took place in the early hours of May 19, 2019, at Hudson’s Field, a well-known public space in Salisbury.

Wells appeared before Salisbury Crown Court on May 7 for a plea and case management hearing. During the proceedings, he pleaded guilty to a charge of Section 2 Assault by penetration, acknowledging his involvement in the assault on a woman in her 30s. The court was informed of the details surrounding the attack, which happened shortly after midnight, leaving the victim traumatized and the community shaken.

Following the assault, law enforcement agencies released an e-fit image of the suspect in an effort to identify him. Despite initial efforts, the case remained unresolved for some time. A year later, in May 2020, the police renewed their appeal for information, hoping to generate new leads. The breakthrough came when advances in DNA sampling technology allowed investigators to match DNA evidence collected from the victim to samples taken from Wells. This scientific evidence proved pivotal in linking him directly to the crime scene.

Subsequently, Wells was formally charged and taken into custody. The investigation was led by Detective Constable Hannah Milburn of Wiltshire Police’s CID South unit. She expressed her satisfaction with the progress made, stating, “We are very pleased with today’s result which means that Wells’ victim will not have to endure having to revisit her horrific ordeal by being involved in a court trial. I’m sure that the public will be reassured that a dangerous sex offender has been taken off the streets and will face justice for his crimes.”

Her comments were supported by Detective Inspector Dean Garvin, who emphasized the severity of the crime and the bravery of the victim. “This was a horrific crime. Nicholas Wells attacked a young lady in her home and sexually assaulted her. I would like to pay testimony to her courage, both in reporting this and throughout the process,” he said. Garvin also highlighted the lengthy and complex nature of the investigation, praising DC Milburn’s persistence. “DC Hannah Milburn never gave up on her efforts to bring the victim justice. I want people to know that we never give up on these cases, even if they take years, we will continue to work on them and try to solve them. The offenders should live with that. They should always look over their shoulder. That is what they do to their victims.”

Wells is scheduled to appear before Salisbury Crown Court again on July 2, where he will face sentencing for his crimes. The case underscores the importance of technological advancements in forensic science and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims of sexual violence in Salisbury and beyond.