Rugby Club Treasurer Jailed for Sexual Assault

Robert North, 45, a treasurer for Torrington Rugby Club and accountant, has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman after giving her a lift home from a party.

The assault occurred in 2020 when North offered the woman a ride. She fell asleep in the back seat of his car, only to wake up and find North with his hands up her dress. He was found guilty of assault by penetration by a jury at Exeter Crown Court in November.

Judge Anna Richardson, in delivering the sentence on January 21, stated, "You took the opportunity to callously seek sexual gratification as she was lying on the back seat of the car."

Police commended the victim's bravery in coming forward and enduring the lengthy court process. The victim, in a statement, expressed her anger and trauma, stating, "I am angry about what happened to me. I want him to know what he has done and I want to know why he did it." She also shared that she continues to suffer nightmares and ongoing trauma as a result of the assault.

North's defense claimed he was merely trying to help the unresponsive woman from the back seat of the car and denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer, Mr. Richard Crabb, described the offense as 'opportunistic' rather than pre-planned, adding that North was a man of previous good character whose marriage had broken down shortly before the incident.

Judge Richardson highlighted the victim's vulnerability, stating, "Her trauma continues. She was particularly vulnerable as she was asleep."

Detective Constable Cartwright of Barnstaple CID emphasized the importance of the victim's courage, saying, "Today's outcome could not have been possible without the bravery and courage of the victim for staying with us throughout the long court process. I hope that this may help other survivors of sexual assault by giving them the confidence to come forward and report such crimes to the police."