49-year-old David Morris-Perry has been given a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and placed on the sex offenders register for 7 years for sexual assault against a woman who he groped in a takeaway in Ryde.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Morris-Perry, of Houghton-Le-Spring in Tyne and Wear, admitted the single charge when he appeared before Magistrates on 19th October. The case was adjourned until Monday for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
The prosecution explained to the court that the defendant was in Sam’s Chicken on Union Street, Ryde waiting for food back in September of this year. Whilst he was waiting, the victim arrived at the store to also order food. It’s at this point that a drunken Morris-Perry began telling the victim she was beautiful.
Shockingly, he then grabbed the woman’s bottom and tried to move his hands forward between her legs. The victim shouted at Morris-Perry, calling him an ‘old creep’. The 49-year-old then put his head in his hands in shame.
The matter was reported to Police, who subsequently arrested Morris-Perry. In interview, he said he could not remember the event but showed remorse.
A victim impact statement read out to the court highlighted that the woman now feels ‘dirty and ashamed’ and she feels unsafe going out, even in a lit area.
Defending, Barry Arnett said that David Morris-Perry had been drinking more than he should after struggling with recent events, including a burglary and vandalism. Mr Arnett highlighted that there was no pre-planning.
In sentencing this week, Magistrates handed David Morris-Perry a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to sign as a registered sex offender for a period of 7 years.
That’s a better punishment than what we normally read , for something more criminal
Maybe the sentencing officers are getting tougher if not they should be
I wonder if he would have done that to a man?
Those that do, get hurt.
There’s the bit where I feel bad that he was burgled and vandalised, but that still gives him no right for him to sexually touch another person.
Good sentence.
Stamp. It. Out.