GRAHAM WARD GUILTY OF INDECENT ASSAULT IN GUISTBOROUGH AND MIDDLESBROUGH

In a case that has shocked the local community, Graham Ward, a 44-year-old market trader from Guisborough, was convicted of indecently assaulting a 15-year-old boy at Middlesbrough bus station. The incident took place in the toilets of the bus station, where Ward approached the young teenager, who was there to change out of his school uniform before meeting his girlfriend.

According to court proceedings, Ward initially engaged in inappropriate behavior by exposing himself to the boy and then following him into a cubicle. Once inside, Ward dropped his trousers and groped the shocked and distressed teenager. Witnesses reported that Ward smiled and winked at the boy before the assault, which was described as a fleeting contact but nonetheless a serious breach of conduct.

During the trial, it was revealed that Ward had mistakenly believed the teenager, who he thought appeared older than his actual age, was seeking a sexual encounter. Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, presided over the case and explained his decision to avoid immediate imprisonment. The judge expressed concern that Ward might lose his home and his livelihood if incarcerated, which influenced his sentencing decision.

Judge Bourne-Arton stated, “I am satisfied it was a very fleeting contact... you were recklessly of the view he was consenting. He wasn’t and was never likely to.” The court heard that Ward was a regular visitor to the bus station toilets, which had a reputation for such incidents, although Ward denied visiting with any intent of misconduct.

Support for Ward came from members of his community, who provided references describing him as a well-regarded individual. Deborah Sherwin, his barrister, highlighted Ward’s role as a father and his responsibilities, including caring for his ill mother, employing staff, and owning a house. She also noted Ward’s personal struggles, including coming to terms with his sexuality after marriage and fatherhood, and his current stable relationship.

Despite these character references, the judge emphasized that Ward was convicted based on clear evidence presented by the jury. He acknowledged Ward’s denial of visiting the toilets with any inappropriate intent but pointed out that Ward took advantage of the situation involving the young boy. The judge also noted that Ward had no previous convictions and that this was his first offense, which he considered when determining the sentence.

Graham Ward was found guilty of two charges—exposure and sexual assault—on November 15 of the previous year after a trial. He was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, with conditions including supervision and a ban from the Middlesbrough bus station toilets. The court’s decision aimed to balance the seriousness of the offense with Ward’s personal circumstances and community support, but the incident has left a lasting impact on the local community in Guisborough and Middlesbrough.