CHRISTOPHER WINDIATE SHOCKS HINDLIP WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SCHOOLGIRL NEAR WORCESTER

In November 2008, a disturbing incident unfolded in the small village of Hindlip, near Worcester, involving Christopher Windiate, a man with a troubling criminal history. Windiate, aged 45 and residing on Hindlip Lane, became the center of a serious criminal case after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in his home.

According to court reports, Windiate engaged the young girl in a provocative game that involved a striptease challenge. The game was played on a computer console, with Windiate suggesting that the loser of each round should remove an item of clothing. The victim, who had consumed seven bottles of vodka-based alcopops, initially felt uneasy about the rules but agreed to participate. Her intoxicated state, combined with her discomfort, did not prevent her from falling asleep on a sofa during the game.

However, her rest was short-lived. She awoke to a distressing scene: Windiate, who was then only in his boxer shorts, had his hand inside her underwear. The prosecutor, Lee Marklew, detailed that Windiate had committed a sexual assault by penetration. The victim’s distress was palpable, and she was seen shaking and crying after discovering Windiate’s inappropriate actions.

Windiate later admitted to the court that he had sexually assaulted the girl. He pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault by penetration. The court heard that Windiate’s criminal record included 30 previous offences, but none related to sexual crimes. Despite his past, this was a new and serious violation.

Judge Andrew Geddes sentenced Windiate to two years in prison. In his remarks, the judge described Windiate’s behavior as “an act of unbelievable folly” driven by his own desire for gratification. Additionally, Windiate was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure intended to monitor and prevent future offenses.

The case also revealed troubling details about Windiate’s conduct prior to the assault. On January 26 of the same year, he had invited two teenagers and a woman in her twenties to his residence. Court documents indicated that Windiate had previously suggested to the woman that she bring someone to sleep with him. During this gathering, Windiate provided alcohol—five cans of lager and six alcopops to the woman, and unspecified drinks to the others.

After two of the guests went to bed, Windiate took advantage of the girl’s intoxicated state and attempted to kiss her. The prosecutor explained that this was part of the escalation of his inappropriate behavior, which culminated in the assault. The girl managed to escape upstairs, visibly shaken and in tears, after Windiate began groping her.

Windiate was arrested three days later. During police interviews, he claimed that his actions had been consensual, a statement that was strongly contested by the victim and her family. Her mother described her daughter as normally outgoing and confident, but after the incident, she had become withdrawn, quiet, and uninterested in boys.

Gareth Walters, representing Windiate, expressed hope that the guilty plea would bring some relief to the victim. He attributed the incident to alcohol consumption and bereavement, emphasizing Windiate’s need for help to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The case highlighted the serious consequences of reckless behavior and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young individuals from predatory actions.