Convicted Sex Offender Faces Jail for Groping Teen on Beach

Darren Hellowell, 29, was convicted of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl on the beach near Eastbourne Pier. The incident occurred on September 1, 2022, when Hellowell approached the girl and her friends, asking for a lighter.

Hellowell then proceeded to grope the girl, making suggestive comments and ignoring her protests. Friends of the girl intervened and ordered Hellowell to leave, but he continued his drunken attack.

Police officers nearby witnessed the assault and arrested Hellowell, who claimed to have little memory of the incident.

In a Victim Impact Statement, the girl described feeling scared and shocked after the attack. She stated, "When he first approached me he made me feel on edge as I didn't know him. When he went to touch my legs I felt scared and afterwards I felt shocked and upset by the incident."

The court heard that Hellowell has a prior conviction for a similar offense, having been placed on the Sex Offenders Register in 2005 for grabbing a woman's private parts in Kent. He had also failed to notify police of his whereabouts within three days of being released from custody.

Hellowell pleaded guilty to sexual assault and failing to comply with the requirements of the Sex Offenders Register. Recorder Richard Benson, QC, adjourned sentencing until February 15 to assess the level of risk Hellowell poses to the public.

Benson warned Hellowell that all sentencing options, including imprisonment, are available. He highlighted the serious nature of the offenses, particularly given Hellowell's prior sexual offense.

Hellowell was remanded in custody while funding is considered for a place at Avenida Lodge, a facility that assists people with alcohol problems. However, even with funding available, Benson indicated that a custodial sentence may still be imposed.