PAUL DAVIS OF BURYNUM RECEIVES FOUR-MONTH SENTENCE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BURNLEY

In November 1999, Paul Davis, a 29-year-old father of two from Dall Street, Burnley, was sentenced to four months in jail after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. Burnley Crown Court heard that Davis, who was intoxicated at the time, asked the girl to perform a sex act, kissed her, and made inappropriate advances. The victim, overwhelmed and crying, managed to escape and seek assistance.

Judge Raymond Bennett condemned Davis's actions, stating, "The victim must have been very frightened, and drink cannot excuse your behaviour." Following the assault, Davis was physically attacked by others, and the judge added, "The fact that you have been assaulted shows how people feel about this kind of offence. People detest those who behave as you did."

Davis admitted to indecent assault, during which he exposed himself to the girl, asked her to perform a sex act, pushed her onto a bed, and kissed her. Prosecutor Nick Simmonds explained that the girl told police she was unsure of what to do when Davis suggested sex. Although Davis had previous convictions, none were related to sexual offences.

Defense lawyer Paul Hague described Davis as being extremely intoxicated at the time, with no memory of his actions, and expressed his client's revulsion and shame over what had happened. Hague stated, "He had been reluctant to accept he could behave in such a disgusting and vulgar way. He was ashamed and very distressed by what had happened when asked to talk about it."

Davis, who has struggled with alcohol addiction since around age 14, was described as a hard-working individual whose family was unable to help him overcome his dependency.