ROYSTON MAN JAILED FOR BRUTAL SEX ATTACK
A man sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman he had followed from a pub has been convicted of the crime.Robin Oakes directed the woman to a quiet area behind a warehouse on Lumen Road, where the assault happened.
In March, the 45-year-old from Swinburne Close, Royston, was convicted by a jury of sexually assaulting the woman but was found not guilty of raping her.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Michael Kay described the assault as a targeted, violent, and malicious act, pointing out that the woman was left with injuries including cuts, bruises, and marks on her neck caused by Oakes grabbing her by the throat.
The court learned that the victim, a married woman in her late 20s, was out with her husband and a friend on October 28, 2006.
She drank several drinks but became separated from her companions.
She entered the Coach and Horses pub around 10:45 pm.
She was heavily intoxicated and was refused service, after which she left.
Oakes followed her outside, caught up with her, and took her to a secluded spot behind a warehouse where the assault took place.
He kissed her, touched her breasts, and pushed a hand down her jeans.
During the struggle, he hit her head on the ground, causing injuries, and held her by the throat, making her fear for her life.
Evidence later showed his blood on her clothing, but no semen linked to him was found.
Oakes was arrested in November and initially refused to answer police questions but later claimed that the victim initiated the interaction, stating they kissed and touched before she changed her mind and he left.
The judge stressed that Oakes had deliberately targeted the woman when she was vulnerable due to alcohol consumption, taking her to a secluded area with the intent to assault her.
Despite a long criminal history involving 51 court appearances and 146 offenses, this was his first conviction related to sex crimes.
He displayed no remorse and denied responsibility.
The court mandated his inclusion on the sex offenders register.
The victim expressed relief that he was in custody, stating, ‘This man has put me on an emotional roller-coaster.
I used to be cheerful and trusting, but not anymore.
That night, he took advantage of me.
I am relieved he is off the streets so he cannot harm anyone else.’
