YATE MAN MARTIN AXFORD GUILTY OF GROPING WOMAN AND TEENAGE GIRL IN BRISTOL COURT

In August 2019, a man from Yate, identified as Martin Axford, was convicted in a trial held at Bristol Crown Court for serious sexual misconduct involving a woman and a teenage girl. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details of his actions, which have now led to his conviction and upcoming sentencing.

According to court records, Axford, who resides on Milton Road in Yate, was found guilty of physically assaulting a woman by pinning her against a wall and then forcibly pulling down her dress, which resulted in her bra being exposed. The incident caused significant distress to the victim, who recounted her experience to police, stating, “He pulled the top of my dress down, exposing my bra. Then he came towards my face. It was just panic. Somebody must have then come out and called my name. That’s when it stopped.”

Despite the conviction related to the woman, Axford was acquitted of a separate charge of sexual assault against another teenage girl. However, the court heard that he was involved in another disturbing incident involving a 17-year-old girl, where he admitted to exposing her breasts. During his testimony, Axford described his actions as “an absolutely crazy, stupid thing to do,” acknowledging that both his behavior and the incident itself were wrong.

In his defense, Axford explained to the jury that he believed the girl was consenting to his actions, stating, “It was under the influence but I felt (the girl) was inviting me to. I did think she was consenting.” He also admitted that his conduct was inappropriate and expressed remorse, saying, “What I did was wrong. It shouldn’t have happened on both parts. I should not have behaved in that way.”

Legal representatives for Axford, including his defense lawyer Sam Jones, questioned him about the circumstances, to which Axford responded with certainty, “I’m crystal.” The court is scheduled to sentence Axford on September 6, with the gravity of his actions underscoring the serious nature of the crimes committed in Yate and Bristol.