JASON MIDDLETON FROM PONTEFRACT SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AT FUNERAL WAKE IN LEEDS

A man from Pontefract, identified as Jason Scott Middleton, has been sentenced to prison for a serious sexual assault that took place during a funeral wake. The incident occurred after Middleton, who was present at the gathering, had been encouraging the victim to consume large quantities of alcohol and had made inappropriate comments throughout the event.

Middleton, aged 40 and residing at Millbeck View in Pontefract, was convicted by a jury at Leeds Crown Court following a trial that revealed disturbing details of his conduct. Despite his persistent denial of any wrongdoing, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of the assault. He was subsequently sentenced to 27 months in prison for his actions.

The court heard that Middleton, who is employed by a pizza company, had been behaving in a highly erratic manner during the wake. Witnesses reported that he had been encouraging a young woman to drink multiple shots and had made sexually suggestive remarks that created an uncomfortable atmosphere for those present. As the evening progressed, the woman, who was visibly intoxicated, eventually fell asleep on a sofa. It was during this time that she awoke to find Middleton spooning her, with his hand inside her underwear, an act that constituted a serious sexual assault.

The victim, whose identity is protected by law to preserve her privacy, courageously delivered a personal statement during the sentencing hearing. She described her feelings of horror and fear upon realizing what was happening. “When I realised what was going on, I was horrified. I have never felt fear like it,” she said. She also expressed feelings of dirtiness, sickness, and a sense of having been robbed of her dignity. The trauma she experienced has had a profound impact on her mental health and her ability to form relationships. She revealed that she now avoids situations where she might be alone with a man and that she had to seek medical help, which resulted in her being prescribed anti-depressants, a medication she continues to take.

In her defense, Middleton’s lawyer, Robin Frieze, argued that the incident was “uncharacteristic” of his client, who had no previous criminal record. He requested that the court consider a suspended sentence, emphasizing that Middleton’s actions were out of character. However, the judge, Recorder David Gordon, dismissed this plea, emphasizing the calculated nature of Middleton’s conduct. “It was completely unwanted and shocking,” he stated. “You have never made any admissions or shown any remorse, regret, or pity for the complainant. There was a significant degree of planning, and the use of alcohol was clearly intended to facilitate the offence.”

As part of his sentence, Middleton was also ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, reflecting the severity of his crime and the court’s commitment to public safety.