US AIR FORCE SERVICEMAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING GIRL
A United States Air Force personnel has received a court sentence after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.Sam Jarvis, residing on Mullein Road in Bicester, appeared before Oxford Crown Court on Monday, June 22.
The 36-year-old was found guilty following a trial held earlier in the year, of one count of sexual assault involving physical contact with a minor.
According to official court documents, the assault occurred in Headington on May 19, 2024.
The court was informed that Jarvis had not arranged to meet the girl specifically; he was present at an event she was attending with her parents.
During the incident, Jarvis sat beside the girl inside a conservatory, engaging her in what was described as 'playful conversation.' He then placed his arm around her, reached down her top, and squeezed her breast.
The girl reported the incident immediately afterward.
In court, the girl delivered her impact statement from behind a screen, stating that the assault caused her to feel scared and unwell, and that it has significantly affected her ability to trust others.
She expressed feelings of discomfort in her own skin and a constant need to protect herself, indicating that her daily life has been affected and she has become more withdrawn.
The court was told that Jarvis was previously considered to be a man of good character and was serving in the United States Air Force.
The prosecution noted there was a reasonable chance of rehabilitation, and that it took approximately a year to bring charges against him.
His legal representative commented that military service was an integral part of his life.
Judge Hassan Khan remarked that Jarvis's actions, though not premeditated, involved engaging the girl in playful talk, sitting beside her, pulling her bra strap, and squeezing her breast—a brief but deliberate act that the girl immediately reported, and which caused her significant distress.
Khan emphasized the impact of the assault on the victim.
Although Jarvis is expected to continue his duties in the Air Force, proceedings for his discharge have begun.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.
Additionally, he must complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities and will wear an electronic tag for six months to monitor his movements.
He is also obliged to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work.
Furthermore, Jarvis received a sexual harm prevention order, with requirements to adhere to sex offender notification obligations for ten years, and is required to pay £2,500 in compensation and £2,000 in costs.
