DRUNKEN SEX OFFENDER GETS 15 MONTHS FOR HALIFAX ATTACK
A drunken drug-user who sexually assaulted a woman after following her into a Halifax takeaway has been sentenced to a total of 15 months in prison.John Burns, who claimed to have no memory of his actions on that night due to intoxication, was sentenced to nine months for the sexual assault and an additional six months for breaching a suspended jail term.
The incident occurred when the complainant, who was out with her father and later went for a takeaway with a female friend, was approached by Burns on Ovenden Road.
The prosecutor stated that Burns made bizarre comments about "bombing" a nearby pub, which caused the victim concern, prompting her to inform the police and warn the landlady.
The court heard that Burns continued to follow the women, telling the complainant she was "beautiful and sexy," before entering the takeaway.
As she stood at the counter, Burns approached her from behind, where he put his hand inside her leggings and knickers, assaulting her.
The victim’s friend reacted by kicking Burns after witnessing his conduct, and the distressed victim ran out of the shop.
Burns was arrested after police responded to a call about the bomb threat and was found attempting to strangle himself with a belt en route to the police station.
While Burns has previous convictions, he had no past sexual offences.
Previously, he was scheduled to stand trial but pleaded guilty to the sexual assault.
His sentence was delayed for a psychological report, which noted he suffers from learning difficulties and claimed no recollection of the attack due to intoxication.
The court’s judge, Colin Burn, emphasized that the severity of the crime meant only a prison sentence could be justified, despite the defendant’s intoxication and mental health issues.
