ZAK HONEYMAN'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN LANCASHIRE HOME LEADS TO 18-MONTH JAIL SENTENCE
In a disturbing case that unfolded in Lancashire, Zak Honeyman, aged 26, was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman inside her own residence despite her clear and repeated refusals.The incident, which took place in Burnley, has left a lasting impact on the victim, who continues to suffer from emotional and psychological trauma as a result of Honeyman's actions.
According to court proceedings, Honeyman and the victim had known each other for some time prior to the assault.
The two encountered each other at a social gathering in November 2022, where Honeyman once again expressed romantic interest in her.
However, the woman politely declined his advances, making it clear she was not interested in pursuing any relationship.
Later that evening, as the woman was walking home, she noticed Honeyman walking behind her.
He persistently asked if he could accompany her, and although she was hesitant, she eventually agreed to let him walk her home.
Upon reaching her house, Honeyman offered to fix a problem with her door, which she allowed him to do.
While he was working on the door, she went inside to prepare herself a cup of tea.
When she returned, Honeyman inquired about her drink, but she explained she hadn’t made him one because she thought he would leave once the door was fixed.
Nonetheless, she went back to make a tea, and they sat together in the living room.
During this time, the prosecution, led by Alison Mather, detailed how Honeyman continued to try and persuade her to engage in a relationship, despite her repeated refusals.
The victim felt increasingly uncomfortable and tried to signal her disinterest.
Eventually, she decided to go upstairs to bed, but Honeyman followed her.
He got into her bed fully clothed, claiming he might as well stay now.
At one point, he attempted to remove his trousers and get back into bed, but upon her request, he put them back on and left the room.
Instead of leaving, Honeyman sat at the end of the bed and began rummaging through the bedside drawers.
The victim repeatedly told him to stop, and a struggle ensued as she tried to prevent him from opening the drawers.
During this altercation, she sustained a bruise on her arm.
Honeyman eventually managed to open a drawer and pulled out a sex toy, which he pressed against her cheek multiple times and even placed into her mouth.
Following this, Honeyman stood over her and pulled down her clothing, leading to two instances of sexual assault.
The victim, in a statement read aloud in court, revealed that she continues to take medication for anxiety and depression caused by the assault.
She described how her mental health has deteriorated, stating, “My anxiety has gone through the roof which made me not want to leave the house.” During mitigation, Anna Chestnut highlighted Honeyman’s lack of maturity at the age of 24, suggesting that this was a factor in his behavior.
She also argued that an immediate custodial sentence could have a profoundly negative impact on others involved.
It was noted that Honeyman, who resides at Weets View, Barnoldswick, had a previous conviction for a different matter, although the court did not consider this relevant to the current case.
Judge Recorder Daniel Lister delivered the sentence, emphasizing that Honeyman’s actions, while not involving forced entry, were still unwelcome and persistent.
The judge stated, “While I don’t consider that you forced your way in, I do consider you certainly weren’t welcome to stay for as long as you did.
You were given repeated hints but nevertheless you remained.
She told you no, but you ignored her.” Honeyman was sentenced to 18 months in prison and was ordered to comply with notification requirements for the next ten years.
Additionally, a five-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting any contact with the victim to ensure her safety and well-being moving forward.
