Rotherham businessman jailed for sexual assault in London hotel

A man named David Horton from Rotherham has been sentenced to three years in prison for a series of sexual offences committed at a hotel in London. Horton was convicted of four counts of sexual assault and one charge of assault by penetration after a jury trial. The court heard that Horton repeatedly assaulted a woman who was sleeping alongside his partner in the Apex Hotel. According to police reports and victim statements, Horton jumped on top of the woman and laughed during the assault. He also admitted to 'copping a feel' of her breast and grabbing her bottom during a night out, and had tried to feel her intimate piercing via CCTV footage, mistaking her openness with her sexuality as an invitation. The victim suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and described her life as being dominated by trauma, stating she had lived a 'lockdown life long before the pandemic.' The court noted Horton’s repeated denial of any misconduct, showing no remorse or empathy, and highlighted the impact on the victim’s mental health and personal life. Judge Usha Karu sentenced Horton to three years' imprisonment, an indefinite notification requirement, and a victim surcharge. Horton is also noted to have previous convictions for drink driving but was described by the court as not being a predatory individual prior to these offences, although his actions in this case were deemed to cross the custody threshold.