70-YEAR-OLD MAN GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AFTER APPROACHING YOUNG WOMAN IN PRESTON
A 70-year-old man landed himself in the dock after approaching a young woman in Wetherspoons and starting a conversation about poetry.Peter Marsden approached the 20-year-old in Twelve Tellers, and sat at the table with her and her two friends.
The conversation soon turned sexual when Marsden mentioned having a friend who was a sugar daddy and was considering the same.
The women took a taxi to Winkley Square where they met a male friend, but Marsden joined them in the cab.
The friend said Marsden made sexual comments and offered £500 to spend the weekend with him, inviting the women back to his house for more alcohol.
Richard Flook told Preston Crown Court that at one point, the young woman was alone with Marsden on a bench near Kimji restaurant in Winckley Street.
Marsden sat beside her, brushing against her thigh and putting his arm around her shoulder.
The woman did not want to be touched but could not remember her exact words.
Concerned, her friend called the restaurant to check on her.
Staff spoke to the woman and called police.
On arrival, officers found the woman intoxicated and unable to give consent.
Marsden denied misbehavior, but mobile phone checks revealed messages and poems sent to young women and teenage girls.
His victim felt uncomfortable throughout and described herself as awkward, unsure what to do.
She said Marsden initially seemed nice discussing poetry, but the mood changed.
Marsden, of Poulton Street, Ashton-on-Ribble, pleaded guilty to sexual assault.
Defense argued that he was mentally unwell due to medication and had been hospitalized for treatment.
He had no prior offenses.
Judge Guy Mathieson sentenced him to eight months suspended for two years, 20 days of rehabilitation, and £1,000 in costs.
The judge noted Marsden's previous good character and that he should work with probation to address underlying issues.
The sentence aimed to protect the public while allowing rehabilitation, given the context and Marsden's remorse.
