Judges lock up Kidderminster sex assault burglar
A man who sexually assaulted a 'petrified' teacher in her bedroom when he burgled her home has been locked up after being originally spared detention.
Three judges at the Court of Appeal in London found that a three-year community order imposed in the case of Joshua Sweet, aged 20, was 'unduly lenient' – and ordered him to be held for two-and-a-half years.
Sweet, of Kidderminster, was originally sentenced to the community order at Birmingham Crown Court in April after pleading guilty to burglary and sexual assault.
Lady Justice Macur, announcing the decision of the appeal court, said the victim's experience 'exemplifies the feelings of distress, invasion and future fear as to physical safety' caused by the invasion of what should be a 'place of refuge'.
She said: "The impact upon a female awoken from her sleep by a stranger in her bedroom, standing over her, does not need any further explanation."
In a victim impact statement, the woman described being 'absolutely petrified' when the attack took place at her home, saying she did 'not feel safe any more'.
The attack by Sweet, who had been drinking, ended when another occupant confronted him after being alerted when the victim screamed.
The community order was made with a sex offender group programme requirement, a 20-day rehabilitation requirement and a 150-day unpaid work requirement.
Welcoming the decision to overturn that order, the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland, said: "Joshua Sweet sexually attacked a woman during a burglary in her home, a place she was entitled to feel safe. Sexual offences committed by a burglar have a huge impact on the victim and are deeply distressing for all those who may also live in the house. The Court of Appeal's decision reflects the serious nature of these offences."
