MAN WHO KISSED TEEN GIRL ON BUS TO BE SENTENCED AT CROWN COURT NEXT MONTH

A Brading man who called a child he met on the bus a ‘sexy looking strawberry’, before kissing her hand and head, is to be sentenced at the Isle of Wight Crown Court next month. Shane Newnham, 38, of Morton Road in Brading, pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a female when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court earlier today (Friday). Prosecuting, Liz Miller told the court that on 29th August 2023, whilst on a bus to Newport, a group of teenagers were approached by Newnham. The 38-year-old offered 1 of the group a bottle of Magnum – a Jamaican tonic wine – before calling the girl a ‘sexy looking strawberry’. As the journey continued, Newnham took the girl’s hand and kissed it, as well as kissing her head before the bus stopped. The court heard how Newnham also took the girl’s glasses off her head. Defending, Oscar Vincent said that before the events of 29th August, Newnham had not drunk alcohol for some 8 years and that whilst he doesn’t remember the events of that day, he was fully cooperative with Police. He also added that Newnham was ‘disgusted’ with himself and ‘sorry for what he has done’. Newnham has lost contact with his children since the incident and has been banned from getting on any Southern Vectis buses, leaving him with just a pushbike to get around. The case was adjourned until 20th February 2024, when Newnham will appear before a judge at the Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing. He must visit Newport Police Station within 3 days to make Police aware of his personal details as requirement of the Sex Offenders Register.