JOSEPH BAILEY FROM ACOMB AND SCARBOROUGH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON DRUNK 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN YORK

In January 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Joseph Bailey, a man who exploited a vulnerable underage girl by engaging in sexual activity with her while she was heavily intoxicated. The incident took place in York, where Bailey, then aged 20, had a troubling encounter with a 15-year-old girl. According to court proceedings, a friend of Bailey’s had warned him about the girl’s age, explicitly telling him that she was only 15 and cautioning him against engaging in any sexual activity with her. Despite this warning, Bailey proceeded after the girl consumed a small bottle of vodka along with other alcoholic drinks, leading to their second meeting during which he committed the assault.

Prosecutor Andrew Espley detailed that Bailey’s actions were influenced by the girl’s intoxication, which he failed to fully recognize or appreciate at the time. The court heard that Bailey had to leave York following the incident, as the repercussions of his actions caused his friends to distance themselves from him. Subsequently, he relocated to Scarborough, where he sought to rebuild his life through a new job and a fresh start.

During the hearing, Susannah Proctor emphasized that Bailey expressed genuine remorse for his conduct. She noted that he did not fully grasp the extent of the girl’s drunken state during the encounter. Bailey, now aged 21 and previously residing in Acomb and Selby, pleaded guilty to charges of sexual activity with a child.

Judge Simon Hickey addressed Bailey directly, stating, “You didn’t ply her with alcohol, but you took advantage of a drunk girl. You were the older and an adult, you should have drawn back. It has to be custody.” The judge sentenced Bailey to 12 months in prison, but this was suspended for two years, contingent upon his completion of a 33-session sex offenders’ rehabilitation course and 15 days of rehabilitative activities. Additionally, Bailey was ordered to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct in the community.