CHAY TOWELLS FROM WATCHET ESCAPES PRISON AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN WEST SOMERSET

In a case that has drawn significant attention in Watchet and the surrounding West Somerset area, Chay Towells, aged 21, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a minor and received a sentence that many consider to be lenient given the circumstances. The incident, which took place in April 2015, involved Towells, who resided on West Street in Watchet, and a 15-year-old girl with whom he had developed a troubling relationship.

According to court records, Towells, who was 20 years old at the time of the offense, had been involved with the underage girl for some time prior to the incident. The court heard that the two had met on multiple occasions despite the girl’s mother warning them both to cease their contact. The mother, upon discovering their meetings, explicitly told her daughter and Towells that they were not permitted to see each other anymore and issued a stern warning for them to stay apart.

On April 5, 2015, the day of the offense, the girl deceived her mother by claiming she was going out to meet friends. Instead, she traveled to Towells’ residence in West Somerset. The court was told that during this visit, the two watched television together, but the situation quickly escalated. Towells, who was aware of the girl’s age, sexually assaulted her on the sofa. Following this, they left the flat and engaged in further sexual activity in another part of the residence.

Prosecutor Nikki Coombes detailed the events, emphasizing that the girl lied to her mother about her whereabouts and that Towells’s actions were a clear violation of the law. The court was informed that Towells admitted to the charges and pleaded guilty on February 26 of the following year.

During the sentencing hearing, Recorder David Bartlett acknowledged the seriousness of the offense. He noted that Towells had a low intelligence quotient of 70, which he took into account when determining the sentence. However, he emphasized that the nature of the crime was grave, especially considering the victim’s mother’s explicit instructions for her daughter not to contact Towells.

Ultimately, Towells was sentenced to one year in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work and was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years. The judge remarked that the sentence was relatively lenient given the circumstances, but it reflected the court’s attempt to balance punishment with rehabilitation.

This case has sparked discussions within the Watchet community about safeguarding minors and the importance of strict enforcement of laws protecting young people from exploitation and abuse. The incident remains a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and appropriate legal responses to such serious offenses.