MAN WHO ADMITTED TO TOUCHING CHILD AVOIDS JAIL
A man from the Bradford area, Matthew Samuel of Spring Place in Keighley, avoided imprisonment after admitting to touching a child.During his appearance at Bradford Crown Court on Friday, the 33-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of assaulting a child under 13 by physically touching them.
Prosecutor David McGonigal explained that Samuel had grabbed the child's stomach over their clothing and squeezed their leg, and then there was a sensation of something moving towards the child's bottom.
Throughout the incident, Samuel kept his eyes shut, while the child repeatedly asked him to stop.
It was also reported that Samuel attempted to place his hands inside the child's bottoms, but the child managed to move away.
The court heard that the incident had a profoundly damaging impact on the young victim.
Defending, Sohail Khan mentioned that Samuel had no memory of the event as he was intoxicated at the time.
Judge Jonathan Gibson remarked that Samuel was previously considered a man of good character, but that perception changed following the incident.
The judge emphasized that Samuel was aware of his actions.
Although Samuel had no prior criminal record and expressed genuine remorse, the judge believed he deserved a custodial sentence.
Nevertheless, he decided to suspend the sentence, citing the potential negative effects of prison on Samuel’s family and stability, and noting the possibility of rehabilitation.
Samuel was sentenced to 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.
Additionally, he was issued a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to pay court costs of £500.
