GRAEME WARD FROM BURNHAM SENTENCED FOR GROPING TEENAGE GIRL IN CHELMSFORD

In October 2016, a man from Burnham was handed a nine-month prison sentence after being convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl. Graeme Ward, aged 39 and residing on Alamein Road in Burnham, appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court to face sentencing following his admission of guilt regarding the incident that took place in Burnham last September.

Prosecutor Raj Joshi detailed the disturbing events, explaining that Ward had been sleeping on the same sofa as the young girl during the night. According to the court, Ward had placed his head on her shoulder and cuddled up to her in a manner that was clearly inappropriate. The victim, feeling uncomfortable, removed the blanket covering herself at around 5:30 a.m. However, Ward then repositioned the blanket over her and proceeded to touch her in a sexual manner underneath it, an act that marked the culmination of a series of troubling behaviors.

Mr. Joshi outlined that Ward had previously made lewd comments to the girl, including remarks such as “your boobs are massive” and “you look pretty.” The court also heard that Ward had followed her into changing rooms and once wiped her breasts with a tissue after she accidentally spilled ketchup on them. These actions contributed to a pattern of inappropriate conduct that had a profound impact on the victim.

The prosecutor emphasized the emotional toll the incident had taken on the girl, stating that she now refuses to leave her house unless accompanied by someone she trusts. She experiences feelings of isolation and anxiety, and has expressed fears of encountering Ward again, saying, “I feel scared when I go out and I think I see Graeme when he is not there.”

In his defense, Ward’s solicitor, Hannah Sutton, suggested that he might be on the autism spectrum, which could explain his fixation on relationships with friends, regardless of their age or gender. She also highlighted that Ward has shown genuine remorse for his actions and does not blame anyone else.

However, Recorder Peter Brook-Smith addressed the court, stating that Ward’s behavior was deliberate and that there had been prior incidents of inappropriate and sexualized conduct towards the victim. The judge expressed his belief that Ward was sexually attracted to the girl, which motivated his actions. He emphasized the seriousness of the offense, noting that the circumstances made it even more grave, and sentenced Ward to nine months in prison for his misconduct.