BENJAMIN WILKINSON FROM GLOUCESTER FACES JAIL AFTER STRING OF ATTACKS AND OFFENSIVE WEAPON POSSESSION
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Gloucester community, Benjamin Wilkinson, a 29-year-old resident of Minster Gardens in Abbeymead, appeared before Gloucester Crown Court to face a series of serious criminal charges.Wilkinson pleaded guilty to multiple offenses, including a violent assault and sexual misconduct, as well as possession of an offensive weapon, all committed within the city of Gloucester and its surrounding areas.
The court heard that Wilkinson attempted to cause grievous bodily harm to a woman between July 18 and 24, 2020.
During this period, he also admitted to possessing a hammer on Barton Street, Gloucester, which was used or intended for use in connection with the assault.
These actions marked a disturbing pattern of violence and intimidation directed at women in the area.
Further allegations included a sexual assault on a woman without her consent on September 14, 2020.
On the same day, Wilkinson was accused of attempting to sexually assault a different woman, demonstrating a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.
The court also heard about a dangerous driving incident involving a Citroen Berlingo on the A40 Gloucester Road in Cheltenham, also on September 14, 2020.
This reckless driving posed a significant risk to public safety.
Adding to the severity of his charges, Wilkinson admitted to causing actual bodily harm during an assault on October 2, 2020.
He also pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol on September 14, 2020, with a breath alcohol level of 53 microgrammes per 100 millilitres, well above the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.
Despite the extensive list of admissions, Wilkinson denied kidnapping a woman on July 18, 2020, and also denied attempting to kidnap two other women on September 14, 2020.
The prosecution announced that it would not proceed with these kidnapping charges, and they are expected to remain on the court file without further action.
Judge Ian Lawrie QC described Wilkinson’s behavior as an “odd sequence of behaviour” marked by “some bizarre offending,” reflecting the disturbing nature of the crimes.
The judge ordered Wilkinson to be remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing scheduled for March 12, 2021.
Additionally, an interim order was made requiring Wilkinson to sign the sex offenders register and comply with a sexual harm prevention order, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions.
Judge Lawrie also mandated a comprehensive set of pre-sentence reports to be prepared.
Addressing Wilkinson directly, the judge stated, “It’s not a question of if you are going to prison, it is a question for how long,” underscoring the gravity of the crimes and the likely custodial sentence awaiting him.
