2018: REDDITCH MAN CHRISTIAN BEARD JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 14-YEAR-OLD BOY IN WORCESTER
In a case that has shocked the Redditch community and beyond, Christian Beard, aged 41, was sentenced to four years in prison following his conviction for engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old boy.The incident took place in June 2014, but the legal proceedings only culminated in his sentencing at Worcester Crown Court on a recent Thursday.
Christian Beard, who resides on Donnington Close in Redditch, was accused of carrying out a sexual assault on the young victim while the boy was asleep.
During the trial, Beard initially denied any involvement, claiming that he was 'wide awake' during the incident and that he had no recollection of what transpired.
His defense argued that he was suffering from sexsomnia, a sleep disorder, which supposedly rendered him unconscious at the time of the assault.
This claim led to a delay in proceedings as his legal team investigated the condition.
However, on July 23 of the same year, Beard changed his plea to guilty, thereby avoiding the need for the boy to testify in court.
The judge, Andrew Lockhart QC, dismissed Beard's sexsomnia as 'irrelevant' to the case, emphasizing that the defendant was clearly awake when the assault occurred.
The victim, who was 14 at the time, awoke to find Beard performing a sex act on him.
The court heard that Beard had offered the boy alcoholic ginger beer prior to the incident, which the boy said made him 'feel funny.' Prosecutor Steven Bailey described the scene, stating, “He jumped up in surprise, more in anger frankly, and asked the defendant what he was doing.
He appeared wide awake at that point.” Despite Beard's insistence that he was not doing anything, the boy left immediately and reported the incident to his parents.
Following his arrest, Beard visited his general practitioner and was diagnosed with sexsomnia.
During police interviews, he initially answered 'no comment,' but later claimed that if anything had happened, he must have been asleep at the time.
The court was also presented with two victim personal statements, in which the boy detailed the profound impact the assault had on his mental health.
He described suffering from insomnia, depression, and suicidal thoughts, which persisted for over a year and a half.
The boy also reported that his academic performance, including his GCSE results, was adversely affected, and he struggled with relationships.
He expressed frustration, saying, “Four years I have waited for this to happen.
Since this happened I haven’t moved on from it.
I feel this has taken too long.
I’m still scared and depressed.” Judge Lockhart classified the offense as a category 1A crime, indicating it involved planning, the use of alcohol, a significant age disparity, and grooming behavior.
Addressing the court, the judge highlighted the severe impact on the victim, noting that he had suffered greatly in the aftermath, withdrawing socially and academically, and experiencing recurring nightmares.
The judge also acknowledged Beard’s own mental health difficulties but emphasized that the attack demonstrated clear awareness and intent.
While accepting Beard’s diagnosis of sexsomnia, Judge Lockhart stated that the assault itself was committed while Beard was fully awake and aware of his actions.
Consequently, he sentenced Beard to four years in prison.
Additionally, a restraining order was issued for ten years, prohibiting Beard from having any contact with the victim.
Beard was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life and barred from working with children, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the need for ongoing public protection.
