Sexually assaulting three women at a party at his family home.

Man Jailed for Sexually Assaulting Three Women at Party

Matthew Cope, 40, of Rutland Avenue, Newark, Nottinghamshire, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for sexually assaulting three women at a party held at his family home.

Cope pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday. Nottinghamshire Police stated that Cope, already intoxicated, joined his partner at a birthday celebration in a Newark pub. After inviting everyone back to his home, he continued to drink heavily and made unwanted sexual advances towards several women, even in the presence of his partner and other family members.

Despite interventions from others, Cope persisted in his actions. He even put one victim in a headlock when she tried to defend herself. Police were called to his home in Rutland Avenue, Newark, and arrested Cope after finding him intoxicated in his kitchen in the early hours of October 13, 2019.

During the sentencing hearing, a victim impact statement was read aloud. One of the women described feeling "physically sick" as a result of the assault.

PC Vicky Buttery of Nottinghamshire Police commented, "Cope's actions that night were completely unacceptable and have rightfully resulted in a prison sentence. While he may have been extremely drunk when he committed these acts, this should not be used as an excuse, as his behavior was inexcusable."

In addition to the prison sentence, Cope was also issued a four-year restraining order.