BATLEY SEX PEST ATTACKED SLEEPING WOMAN THEN OFFERED TO MAKE HER COFFEE
Kevin Loveday, aged 74, admitted to committing a grave sexual assault.The victim was asleep when she was assaulted, and the following morning, Loveday offered to make her coffee.
The court in Leeds was told that Loveday, from Hanover Street, Batley, engaged in criminal behavior after purchasing a bottle of wine for the woman at the Black Horse pub in March 2023.
He then went home with her and assaulted her.
On April 23, it was revealed that the woman remembered watching a film in her home and falling asleep dressed.
She awoke to find Loveday sexually abusing her.
Prosecutor Jeremy Hill-Baker explained that she was sleeping on the sofa when she sensed someone touching her.
Waking up, she screamed and struck Loveday, who looked surprised and apologized.
She told him to leave and went to her bedroom.
Despite this, Loveday stayed at her home the next morning, claiming he had made coffee and urging her to prepare for work.
He later contacted her husband.
The woman confided in her spouse about the assault before notifying police.
Loveday then reached out through Facebook and text messages, which she initially ignored.
When questioning his behavior, he expressed remorse and mentioned he might as well kill himself.
Interviews with Loveday showed he denied any misconduct.
He has previous convictions for indecent exposure and gross indecency with a child.
Ultimately, he pleaded guilty to assault by penetration.
The woman stated in her victim statement that her confidence had been profoundly affected, leading to trust issues and social withdrawal.
She avoids the pub and is wary of offers to buy her drinks.
Her anxiety has increased, and her work focus has suffered.
Lawyer Amber Walker noted this was Loveday's first offense, with him accepting responsibility via his guilty plea.
The pre-sentence report suggested alcohol might have been linked to his behavior, which he has now stopped.
His health is deteriorating, diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, with declining mobility.
The judge, Lord Mansell KC, sentenced Loveday to six years' imprisonment, requiring him to serve at least two-thirds before release on licence.
He condemned his apparent indifference after the crime and imposed a permanent restraining order to prevent contact with the victim.
