STEPHEN RILEY AND SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENCES IN BOLTON
A 64-year-old man named Stephen Riley has been handed a significant prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple sexual offenses that targeted a woman in Bolton.Riley, a married grandfather, carried out a series of disturbing attacks on his victim while she was asleep, behavior that, according to sentencing judges, was both predatory and deeply troubling.
The heinous acts occurred over a span of several years, beginning approximately eight years prior to his arrest.
The first incident took place when Riley sexually touched the woman unexpectedly after she had fallen asleep on her sofa.
She immediately reacted with shock and distress, pushing Riley away and asking, "How could you do that?" Her words indicated her disbelief and fear in response to the assault.
During the court hearing, it was revealed that Riley had made suggestive and inappropriate remarks directed at her on multiple occasions following the initial incident.
Despite the repeated sexual misconduct, the woman chose not to report the assaults immediately.
It was only after Riley committed a second sexual assault the following year, and then a third incident involving further inappropriate touching while she was asleep, that she finally decided to seek help and report the matter to the police.
She described the defendant's behavior as relentless, indicating that his misconduct was ongoing and persistent.
When questioned about his actions, Riley claimed that he had been sleepwalking during the episodes, attempting to deny responsibility.
Nonetheless, police investigations led to his arrest, and Riley was charged with assault by penetration along with two counts of sexual assault.
During the trial, Riley’s defense lawyer, Damian Zelazowski, emphasized that Riley suffers from health problems and admitted that he had been intoxicated at the time of the offenses.
Zelazowski also highlighted Riley's acknowledgment that his conduct was entirely wrong and expressed remorse for the harm caused.
Riley pleaded guilty to the charges just days before his trial was scheduled to commence at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.
Judge Tom Gilbart, delivering the sentencing, described Riley's behavior as shocking and predatory, emphasizing the significant psychological impact on the victim.
The judge sentenced Riley to four years and nine months of imprisonment, ordered him to be placed on the sex offenders register for life, and prohibited him from working with children or vulnerable adults.
In his remarks, Judge Gilbart made it clear that Riley’s actions had a profound and damaging effect on the victim’s life, citing his selfish decision to satisfy his sexual urges as the root cause of the suffering inflicted.
He concluded by telling Riley that he should be utterly ashamed of himself for his misconduct and the pain he caused, underscoring the severity of his crimes and their lasting consequences.
