HUDDERSFIELD MAN KARL MARTIN AVOIDS PRISON AFTER SHOCKING DRINK-SPIKING CRIME
A sick Huddersfield predator who masturbated into a pregnant woman's drink has narrowly avoided prison.Karl Martin, 25, had been observed previously sniffing the woman's scarf.
The woman noticed her drink had gone missing on November 30 last year and confronted Martin after seeing on CCTV that something had been done to it.
Prosecutor Andrew Petterson said, "She took a closer look and saw something had been done to it...She spoke to her partner before confronting him.
She asked if he had seen it and he said 'no.' Her partner took the bottle and the complainant contacted the police." Officers arrested Martin, of Elder Grove, Netherton, on December 21.
During caution, he claimed he had drunk some of the drink without permission, suggesting spit might be within.
He then admitted ejaculating into the bottle and wiping his semen over the top.
A DNA test confirmed semen was present.
The woman bravely addressed the court with a victim impact statement, describing the violation as "a severe violation of personal boundaries" and "a deeply disturbing invasion of privacy," leading to stress, shame, and fear, especially as she was pregnant.
She expressed concern for others and felt isolated, stating, "Even though I didn't drink the contents of my drink, it did mean I was paranoid and concerned there may have been other drinks he targeted in the past." She emphasized the importance of speaking out against sexual assault.
Martin pleaded guilty to attempting to cause a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.
He had no previous convictions.
Mitigating Daniel Ingham described Martin's actions as "repulsive" but noted he is truly remorseful and at low risk of reoffending, supported by family and with mental health problems.
The court sentenced Martin to a 15-month sentence suspended for two years, ordered him to complete up to 43 days of a sex offenders' programme, 55 days of rehabilitation activities, and 150 hours of unpaid work, plus a £1,500 fine payable in installments.
The judge emphasized the case's unusual and disgusting nature but highlighted it was an isolated incident and aimed at rehabilitation.
