JOHN POLES, SANDWELL SEX OFFENDER, SENTENCED IN WOLVERHAMPTON CRIME CASE

A 53-year-old sex offender named John Poles from Sandwell has been handed a substantial prison sentence following a disturbing incident that took place in Wolverhampton. The court heard that Poles was convicted of multiple sexual assault charges after an incident that occurred on October 16, 2020, and involved a vulnerable female victim.

According to court records, the events unfolded after the victim visited Poles's residence in Wolverhampton, accompanied by a friend. The two engaged in a casual card game, during which four rounds were played. It was during the final round that Poles's behavior raised suspicion; he was observed to have 'put his hand under the table,' which was initially interpreted as flirtatious conduct. As the game concluded, the victim, feeling intoxicated from alcohol and cannabis, became tired and eventually fell asleep.

While she was unconscious or semi-conscious, the victim later reported feeling someone touching her leg. She opened her eyes and saw Poles, who was engaged in conversation with her friend at the time. The court was told that Poles was talking to her friend to check if they were awake, which added a layer of complexity to the situation. The victim described her body as feeling like 'clay,' indicating a sense of paralysis or inability to move. During this vulnerable state, Poles proceeded to sexually assault her. The assault was not an isolated incident; during the same episode, he was caught talking to her friend and committed a second sexual assault.

Following the incident, the police were promptly notified. Investigations included collecting DNA samples, which played a crucial role in establishing Poles's guilt. The victim provided a heartfelt impact statement, revealing that she has been suffering from nightmares and emotional distress since the assault. Her trauma underscores the lasting effects such crimes can have on victims.

During the trial, the defense argued that Poles's guilty plea helped to reduce further trauma for the victim by avoiding a lengthy trial. However, Judge HHJ Gosling described Poles as 'opportunistic' in his actions and acknowledged the significant delay in justice, as the victim had waited two years for this case to be resolved.

Poles was convicted on four counts of assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault. His sentence was calculated to include a 15% reduction due to his guilty plea, resulting in a total of seven years and eight months in prison. He is eligible for release on license after serving two-thirds of his sentence and is required to register as a sexual offender.

West Midlands Police officer DC Nikki McMurray emphasized the importance of reporting sexual crimes and supporting victims through the justice process, highlighting the community's role in combating such offenses and ensuring offenders are held accountable.