SEMI BIRCH-ABBAN FROM NORTHAMPTON RECEIVES INDEFINITE HOSPITAL ORDER AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND EXPOSURE OFFENCES

A man identified as Sem Birch-Abban, aged 27, has been subjected to an indefinite hospital order following his admission to multiple sexual assault and exposure offences committed in Northampton. The sequence of events leading to this decision began on July 26, 2023, when Northamptonshire Police responded to reports of suspicious behavior involving a man around women at a local Northampton supermarket.

According to witnesses and subsequent investigations, Birch-Abban was observed following female shoppers before engaging in inappropriate conduct, which included sexually touching two female store employees. The police swiftly launched an inquiry into these incidents, which uncovered a pattern of similar offences occurring at various locations across Northampton on the same day. Additionally, authorities linked Birch-Abban to an exposure offence that had taken place earlier, on June 26, at a different site within the town.

Following the investigation, Birch-Abban was quickly identified as the suspect. He was arrested and subsequently charged with a total of 11 criminal counts, encompassing multiple sexual assaults and exposure offences. His case was brought before Northampton Crown Court, where on October 16, he entered guilty pleas to eight of these charges. Specifically, he admitted to six counts of sexual assault and two counts of exposure. The plea was accepted by prosecutors after they consulted with the victims involved in the remaining three offences.

On November 14, Birch-Abban, who does not have a fixed address, appeared again at Northampton Crown Court for sentencing. The court decided to impose an indefinite hospital order under Section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983, following a psychiatric assessment that deemed him in need of mental health treatment. Such an order is designed to protect the public from potential harm, with the possibility of release only after approval by the Secretary of State for Justice or the Mental Health Tribunal.

In addition to the sexual assault and exposure charges, Birch-Abban faced a count of outraging public decency related to an incident at a Northampton casino on June 30, 2023. During this incident, he exposed himself twice. However, this particular offence was ordered to be 'lying on file,' meaning it will not be prosecuted further but remains part of the case record.

During the court hearing, Birch-Abban expressed remorse for his actions and issued apologies to his victims. The investigation was led by Detective Constable Paul Sanderson of CID West, who commented on the case, stating, “Sem Birch-Abban was unwell when these offences were committed, but that does not diminish the fear and revulsion felt by the women he targeted. The danger he poses to women and the wider community is reflected in this indefinite hospital order, and I hope that this gives him the help he needs, as well as offers reassurance that such persistent and concerning offending is taken very seriously by the police and the courts.”

Detective Sanderson also extended gratitude to the victims for their bravery in reporting the incidents and thanked the numerous businesses that provided CCTV footage to aid the investigation. He emphasized that the case’s conclusion aims to bring some closure to those affected and reassured the public that authorities are committed to addressing such serious offences with utmost seriousness and care.