WIRRAL MAN GIVEN COMMUNITY ORDER FOR CHESTER SEXUAL ASSAULT
A man from Wirral has acknowledged committing sexual assault against a woman during a night out in Chester following a visit to the races.Andrew Smalls, aged 49 and residing on Danehurst Road in Wallasey Village, appeared before Chester Magistrates Court on June 26.
He pleaded guilty to the sexual assault prior to a scheduled trial on July 1.
Prosecutor Scott Woodward detailed that the incident took place in Chester city centre on June 29, 2025.
The victim was sitting outside Rosies nightclub early in the morning when Smalls approached her.
According to the prosecution, Smalls fell onto the woman and stayed there briefly before removing his shirt.
Afterward, police officers asked him to leave, which he complied with.
Later, authorities responded to reports of a disturbance near the Janya elephant statue on Northgate Street.
Prosecutor Woodward noted that Smalls approached the woman and her friend again, during which he raised his hand.
The woman believed he might strike her but instead sexually assaulted her by groping her breast.
Defence lawyer Gabrielle Black stated that Smalls and the victim did not know each other and the incident was an unplanned encounter.
Smalls had been at the races with his partner and later went to Rosies nightclub.
He left after drinking shots with someone and was heavily intoxicated.
Ms Black explained that Smalls’s version of events differed from the prosecution’s account.
He had approached the group while searching for his partner.
Later in the night, he removed his shirt at someone’s request and, while unsteady on his feet due to alcohol, had stumbled and fallen onto the victim.
Later, Smalls exited the venue to find his partner and a taxi but encountered the same group again.
Ms Black indicated that Smalls is accused of grabbing the victim’s breast but has no memory of doing so, acknowledging his intoxication.
She added he was punched twice by the victim after the incident.
The defence characterized Smalls’s actions as out of character, asserting they were not sexually motivated and that he has no prior record of such offences.
They described him as genuinely remorseful, concerned about the impact on his children, and eager to serve as a positive role model.
Magistrates sentenced Smalls to a 12-month community order with 20 days of rehabilitation requirements.
He must also pay a fine of £1,121, along with a surcharge of £114 and court costs of £85.
Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for five years.
