ANDREW TURNER'S SHOCKING CRIME IN REDDITCH AND STUDLEY: TEENAGER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT

In February 2003, a troubling case unfolded involving a young man named Andrew Turner, whose actions have left a lasting impact on the victims and the community. Turner, a 19-year-old resident of Stapleton Road in Studley, found himself in court facing serious allegations related to a disturbing sexual assault.

According to court records, Turner was convicted by a jury of indecent assault against a 14-year-old girl. The incident was described as bizarre and unsettling, leading to Turner being sentenced to perform 180 hours of community service and ordered to pay £500 in court costs. The case had previously been adjourned to allow for a pre-sentence report, which helped inform the court's decision.

Interestingly, the jury was unable to reach a consensus on a more severe charge of rape concerning the same girl. The Crown Prosecution Service subsequently decided to offer no evidence on the rape allegation, resulting in Turner being cleared of that charge. The court heard that the incident took place in a Redditch flat in April of the previous year, where the victim awoke to find Turner, then 19, had placed his private parts into her hand. This act was described as a sexual assault that left the young girl distressed and confused.

Initially, the girl did not report the incident to authorities. However, her account changed in June when she was taken to hospital following an episode of excessive drinking. During her hospital stay, police interviewed her, and she explicitly blamed Turner for the indecent assault. Prosecutor Peter Cooper highlighted that the victim’s statement was crucial in establishing the facts of the case.

Turner’s response to the allegations was dismissive; he reportedly 'laughed off' the incident, claiming that he had become involved by accident after climbing out of bed while naked. His defense argued that Turner posed a low risk of reoffending and emphasized that a custodial sentence would have severely impacted his future. The defense also pointed out that publicity surrounding the case had cost Turner his job, although he was later re-employed earning approximately £12,500 annually.

Judge Michael Mott addressed the court, stating that the offence was 'not accidental' because the jury had rejected Turner’s claim of innocence. As part of his sentence, Turner was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for a period of five years, a measure intended to monitor and prevent future offenses. The case underscores the serious consequences of sexual misconduct and the importance of justice for victims in communities like Redditch and Studley.