TONY WEBB SPARED PRISON AFTER INDECENT ASSAULT IN PRINCES RISBOROUGH AND HERNE BAY

In a recent case heard at Aylesbury Crown Court, Tony Webb, a 31-year-old man with connections to Princes Risborough and currently residing in Herne Bay, was spared immediate imprisonment after being convicted of indecently assaulting a young girl. The court decided that a community-based sentence would serve a more effective rehabilitative purpose than a short-term jail sentence.

Webb appeared before Judge Roger Connor, who, after reviewing the case, imposed a three-year Community Rehabilitation Order on him. This decision was made with the understanding that such an order would facilitate Webb’s reintegration into society and address the underlying issues contributing to his offending behavior. The judge emphasized that this approach would likely have a more positive impact on Webb’s rehabilitation than a conventional custodial sentence.

Prior to this sentencing, Webb had been committed to Aylesbury Magistrates Court on August 5, where he pleaded guilty to the charge of indecent assault. The case was then transferred to the higher court for sentencing. During the proceedings on Friday, Webb was also mandated to participate in a sex offender treatment program and to register as a sex offender for a period of five years, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the importance of monitoring offenders.

Webb’s arrest took place on July 3, during which he admitted to the offence. In his police interview, he disclosed that he had been using amphetamines for a decade and had taken some speed the night before the incident. Prosecutor Laura Steele highlighted Webb’s own statement, noting, “He said had he not been under the influence of drugs at the time he would not have committed the offence.”

Defense lawyer Peter Testar argued in mitigation that Webb’s offending was an isolated incident, describing it as a “moment of madness.” He urged the court to consider the circumstances and Webb’s potential for rehabilitation, which influenced the decision to avoid immediate custody. The court’s ruling reflects a focus on addressing the root causes of Webb’s behavior while ensuring appropriate supervision and intervention measures are in place.