JED RIDDELL

SPENNYMOOR MAN JAILED FOR PERFORMING SEX ACT ON SLEEPING VICTIM

A man sleeping in his own home was unexpectedly sexually assaulted by an intruder, a court heard.

The victim, who had been out visiting several pubs in Spennymoor, returned home and fell asleep in front of the television, wearing only his boxer shorts with a cover to keep warm.

Robin Turton, the prosecutor, stated that the man was later awakened by the sensation of someone performing a sex act on him, after which he told the intruder to get off and chased him away.

The victim confided in a family member the following day, leading to police involvement.

The suspect, identified as Jed Riddell of Lakeside Court, Spennymoor, was arrested days later.

Riddell claimed the incident was a misunderstanding, but forensic tests confirmed DNA matching Riddell's.

Riddell, 27, who had some previous convictions not related to similar offenses, initially denied charges but pleaded guilty on the day of trial.

He was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

The judge described the act as 'isolated and opportunistic' but emphasized the profound impact on the victim.