Convicted Sex Offender Escapes Prison After Another Attack

Jason Collins, 29, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in Marlborough following a trial at Swindon Magistrates' Court in January. Despite this conviction, he has managed to escape prison.

At a sentencing hearing in March, prosecutor Keith Ballinger described the incident, stating that Collins squeezed the victim's bottom following a verbal altercation in September 2021. The woman, who knew Collins through family, reacted by shouting: "Don't touch my f**king bum" and reported the incident to the police.

In a victim personal statement, the woman revealed the devastating impact of the assault. She stated that she had left her hometown and now suffers from depression and anxiety, which has strained her relationship. The assault has also affected her eating habits, with her experiencing periods of days or weeks without eating due to disgust with her own body.

The court heard that Collins had a prior conviction for sexual assault in January 2021, receiving a suspended prison sentence. He was also a registered sex offender at the time of the recent attack and had been prosecuted for breaching sex offender notification requirements.

Defense attorney Mr. Jones argued that Collins "still maintains that he did not engage in this activity at all." He acknowledged the difference between this allegation and Collins' previous offenses but admitted his client has "a significant history of sexual offenses."

Mr. Jones attributed Collins' past behavior to a "very traumatic childhood" and highlighted the "significant progress" he has made in recent years, including quitting drinking, learning to drive, and seeking employment.

Magistrates, recognizing Collins' improvement, imposed a 36-month community order, a £200 cost, and a £95 surcharge. Collins was also required to register as a sex offender for five years, running concurrently with any existing registration. A 12-month restraining order was also implemented.

This incident raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the justice system in protecting the public from repeat offenders. The escape of a convicted sex offender after another attack is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge posed by individuals with a history of violent behavior.