LEE BUTCHER SENTENCED IN WITNEY FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGER IN HER OXFORDSHIRE HOME

A man identified as Lee Butcher has been handed a prison sentence following his involvement in a disturbing sexual assault that took place within the confines of a teenager's residence in Witney, Oxfordshire. The incident has left a lasting impact on the victim and has garnered significant attention from the local justice system.

Lee Butcher, aged 27, was convicted on charges that include knowingly trespassing with the intent to commit a sexual offence, as well as sexual assault. The court proceedings revealed that Butcher’s actions on August 10 of the previous year were both brazen and invasive. According to court records, he entered the victim’s home while intoxicated, climbing through her window in the early hours of the morning. The victim, an 18-year-old girl, was asleep in her bed at the time, unaware of his presence until the assault occurred.

Initially, Butcher denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence during the early stages of the trial. However, by the third day of proceedings in February, he chose to change his stance and pleaded guilty to the charges. This decision came as a result of the evidence presented and the circumstances surrounding the case.

During the sentencing hearing held on June 9, the court listened to a detailed victim personal statement that painted a stark picture of the emotional and psychological toll inflicted by the assault. The victim recounted that she had only met Butcher once before the incident and had no prior relationship or familiarity with him. She described feeling overwhelmed by depression, experiencing difficulty sleeping, and living in constant fear following the attack. The trauma was so severe that she lost her job, and her sense of safety within her own home was shattered. She expressed her ongoing struggle with anxiety, including avoiding opening windows and reliving the traumatic event daily. Her words conveyed a deep sense of confusion and hurt, questioning why Butcher would commit such a heinous act.

In addition to the victim’s account, the court considered Butcher’s criminal history, which includes previous convictions for violence, highlighting a pattern of concerning behavior. The evidence presented during the trial revealed that the victim was sleeping in a state of undress due to the heatwave at the time of the assault. Butcher entered her room and made a disturbing comment, saying, “I want a cuddle. Have you ever had a man 10 years older in your room?”

As the girl tried desperately to cover herself, Butcher attempted to get into her bed, pulling her closer in a manner that constituted sexual assault. The court heard that the assault occurred while she was half asleep, naked under her duvet, with Butcher entering through her window and making inappropriate advances. The judge, Hassan Khan, described the scene in detail, noting that the victim was awakened at approximately 5:50 am, and was vulnerable and unprotected at the time. The judge emphasized that Butcher’s actions—asking for a cuddle, placing his arm around her, brushing her chest, and instructing her not to tell her mother—had a profoundly damaging effect on her life.

In sentencing, Lee Butcher was sentenced to three years in prison. Additionally, a restraining order was issued, prohibiting him from contacting the victim or visiting her address for a period of three years. The court’s decision underscores the severity of the crime and the lasting impact it has had on the victim’s well-being and sense of security.