STEPHEN BODDEN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN TANG HALL, YORK
In May 2017, a man named Stephen Bodden was sentenced to a total of three years and four months in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl.The incident occurred in September of the previous year, within a residence located in the city of York.
Bodden, aged 64 and residing on Owston Avenue in Tang Hall, pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him, which detailed a disturbing assault on a minor.
During the court proceedings at York Crown Court, it was revealed that the assault took place while the girl was believed to be asleep.
Bodden allegedly removed her pyjama top and shorts, then proceeded to touch her body and commit a sexual assault.
However, the girl was not actually asleep; she pretended to wake up in an effort to deter Bodden and to make him stop.
Recognizing that she had been disturbed, Bodden made an excuse and left the scene.
Prosecutor Paul Newcombe described the victim’s state during the attack, stating, “She was petrified.
She didn’t know what to do so she moved about and was flailing to make it look like she was waking up from sleep.” The girl managed to put her clothes back on and took the precaution of blocking the door to prevent Bodden from re-entering.
The following day, she experienced pain but did not disclose the assault to her parents immediately.
Instead, she confided in her friends via a messaging app.
Her parents later discovered her changed behaviour and found the message on her phone, which prompted them to investigate further.
Judge Andrew Stubbs QC sentenced Bodden to 40 months in prison.
Additionally, he imposed a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order, requiring Bodden to regularly notify police of his address and prohibiting him from contacting females under the age of 16 unless explicitly approved by social services and the girl’s parent or guardian.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Stubbs emphasized the impact on the victim, stating, “This girl was shocked and markedly changed after what you had done to her.” The case highlights the serious consequences of such offences and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors in the community.
