PETER CARMICHAEL FROM PETERBOROUGH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN LUTON
In a case that has drawn significant attention, Peter Carmichael, a 31-year-old man from Peterborough, was sentenced to 12 months in prison following his conviction for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl during a journey in Luton.The incident occurred in October 2011, and the details of the case reveal a disturbing sequence of events that culminated in a court hearing at Luton Crown Court.
According to court reports, Carmichael was driving the young girl when he pulled over and engaged in inappropriate behavior.
He touched her breast and thigh without her consent, actions that are considered serious sexual offenses.
After the initial assault, Carmichael continued driving and reportedly made a provocative comment to the girl, asking, “If we were closer in age, would you sleep with me?” The girl, who was only 15 at the time, managed to get out of the vehicle in Luton.
As she exited, Carmichael further violated her personal boundaries by touching her bottom.
The court was informed that the girl confided in her sister about the incident shortly after it happened.
However, it was not until a year later that she disclosed the assault to a teacher, prompting social services to become involved in her case.
Prosecutor Neil King highlighted that Carmichael had a lengthy criminal history, with 21 convictions stemming from approximately 100 previous offenses.
Despite this extensive record, Carmichael maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to three charges of sexual assault.
The jury, however, found him guilty after deliberation.
During the trial, defense attorney Andrew Hope argued that Carmichael still denied any wrongdoing.
He emphasized that none of Carmichael’s prior convictions were related to sexual offenses and attributed his criminal behavior to a long-standing alcohol problem, which involved consuming up to 24 cans of beer daily.
Hope also noted that Carmichael had taken steps to improve his life, including abstaining from alcohol for over a year.
Additionally, he revealed that Carmichael had been diagnosed with ADHD and was on medication for depression.
Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Barbara Mensah sentenced Carmichael to a year in prison.
She emphasized the severity of the offense, stating, “The girl was in your vehicle — she had no prospect of escape.” The court also imposed a Restraining Order, prohibiting Carmichael from contacting the victim in any way, and mandated that he register as a Sex Offender for the next ten years, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the need for ongoing supervision.
