PUDSEY MAN WALKS FREE AFTER SEX ASSAULT WITH REMORSE
A sexual assault offender who left flowers and a letter of apology for his victim has been granted permission to leave court without jail time.Nick Busfield, aged 36, also left behind £50 in cash, which was intended to pay for cleaning some bedding he had contaminated while at the woman’s house.
According to the court on Tuesday, Busfield, from Bradford Road in Stanningley, Pudsey, had been drinking earlier and ended up at the woman's residence.
Prosecutor Ken Green told the court that the woman, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, had gone to bed but was later awakened to find Busfield sexually assaulting her.
When she asked him to stop, he apologized and left the bedroom.
Busfield subsequently left the premises, leaving a letter of remorse, some flowers, and the £50 outside her home.
He had no previous criminal record and later sent a message expressing regret, shame, and acknowledging his wrongdoing.
During his arrest, he made no comment but pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault during a November court hearing.
The victim has been experiencing ongoing depression and anxiety since the incident.
The judge noted that Busfield is employed full-time and provides care for his mother.
Deputy Circuit Judge Timothy Clayson explained that the starting point for sentencing was two years’ imprisonment, which was increased to approximately 28 months due to aggravating circumstances, but after considering mitigation and the guilty pleas, the sentence was reduced to 21 months.
This sentence was suspended for two years, and Busfield was ordered to complete a sex offender treatment program lasting up to 90 days and was subject to a five-year restraining order to prevent contact with the victim.
