Man Jailed for Sexually Assaulting Young Woman

Gary Wilkinson, 53, of Mark Avenue, Horncastle, has been jailed for 17 months after sexually assaulting a young woman.

Lincoln Crown Court heard that Wilkinson, who admitted a charge of sexual assault, touched and licked the woman's neck before attempting to undress her and touching her breasts.

The assault occurred after Wilkinson had visited a beer festival. He pulled down the victim's vest top and attempted to pull down her shorts. The assault continued even when the woman began crying.

Wilkinson apologized to his victim and asked her not to say anything. He provided a false account to police and maintained his innocence during an interview with the probation service. Prosecutor Neil Sands highlighted the significant age difference between Wilkinson and his victim as an aggravating factor.

In a victim impact statement, the woman described the "terrible" impact of the incident on her mental health and her feelings of distrust. She stated that the assault had left her feeling profoundly affected.

Defense attorney Sam Jones informed the court that Wilkinson had faced hate mail, a decline in his plastering business, and vandalism to his car tires. He also mentioned the end of Wilkinson's relationship with his partner.

Recorder Graham Huston, during sentencing, emphasized Wilkinson's lack of remorse or empathy for his victim. He stated that the victim had actively protested, but Wilkinson continued his assault despite her resistance.

In addition to his prison sentence, Wilkinson was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was issued a five-year restraining order.