PATRICK COLLINS FROM NEWPORT SENTENCED TO 4.5 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND FALSE IMPRISONMENT

A resident of Newport has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison following his conviction for two grave sexual offenses involving a teenage girl. Patrick Collins, aged 40, was found guilty of committing sexual assault and false imprisonment, crimes that took place when he lured the young girl to his residence in Newport. The court heard that Collins's actions were deliberate and predatory, targeting a vulnerable minor and holding her against her will during the assault.

In a related development, Collins's partner, Zoe Bates, received a suspended sentence after being convicted of witness intimidation. Bates was found guilty of making threats to the victim, attempting to dissuade her from cooperating with authorities or testifying against Collins. Her actions were seen as an attempt to obstruct justice and undermine the investigation into the sexual assaults.

The case has garnered significant attention in Newport, highlighting issues surrounding sexual violence and the importance of protecting victims. The court emphasized the severity of Collins's crimes and the need for appropriate punishment to serve as a deterrent to similar offenses in the community.