Punched woman on night out before sexually assaulting her.

Man Sentenced for Assaulting and Sexually Assaulting Woman in Sunderland

A 24-year-old man, Nathan Maxwell, was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court for assaulting and sexually assaulting a woman in Sunderland last June.

The court heard that Maxwell had punched the woman twice in the face, first on the right cheek and then on the chin, causing her to collapse. The assault occurred after Maxwell had grabbed the woman and pulled her back, preventing her from pulling away.

Witnesses intervened, confronting Maxwell who then ran away. Following the assault, Maxwell also sexually assaulted the woman, who was left with bruising to her chin.

Maxwell, who had no previous convictions of a similar type, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out 45 rehabilitation activity days, pay £1,000 compensation to the victim within six months, and an indefinite restraining order was imposed.

Judge Amanda Rippon, who sentenced Maxwell, emphasized the seriousness of his actions and the impact on the victim. She warned him that any breaches of the sentence would result in further consequences.

Maxwell will also be on the sex offender's register for 10 years.