DAVID MICHAEL WATSON

SERIAL SEX OFFENDER GETS EARLY RELEASE AFTER COURT CHALLENGE

A sex pest named David Michael Watson, aged 24, who was involved in a series of troubling sexual attacks, has been released early from prison after convincing the Court of Appeal to alter his sentence.

Watson was previously jailed for 18 months at Newcastle Crown Court in January after admitting to two counts of sexual assault and one count of common assault.

The incidents include following a 17-year-old girl, attempting to initiate unwanted contact, and grabbing her as she walked home.

CCTV footage and witness reports confirmed his involvement, leading to his initial conviction.

Judge Michael Pert QC detailed one attack where Watson followed a 17-year-old girl on an August evening in 2011, put his arm around her, and was identified from CCTV footage.

The attacker later made further unwanted advances toward other women, who recognized him from media reports about his first assault.

Watson's behavior was described as "troubling" by his barrister.

Despite the serious nature of his offenses, the Court of Appeal upheld a challenge by Watson and replaced his custodial sentence with a community order coupled with a sex offenders treatment program, considering that this approach would better address his behavior and benefit society.

The Court emphasized that both Watson and society would benefit more if he is allowed to work on his behavior and rehabilitation.