BEVERLEY MAN STEVEN JESSOP SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BEVERLEY AND HULL

In a case that has shocked the local community of Beverley, Steven Jessop, aged 37, has been sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenager with learning difficulties. The incident took place in Beverley and the subsequent legal proceedings were held at Hull Crown Court.

Jessop, who resides on Lowfield Road in Beverley, faced a three-day trial last month. Despite his initial denial of the charges, the jury unanimously convicted him of the sexual assault. The court heard that Jessop, a former groundsman at Beverley Racecourse, engaged in a disturbing pattern of grooming behavior towards the 18-year-old victim.

According to court records, Jessop offered the young man drugs and alcohol, which he used to manipulate and gain the victim’s trust. The two exchanged text messages prior to their meeting, which was arranged after a chance encounter in the Cross Keys pub in Beverley. During this meeting, Jessop’s actions escalated to physical assault; he pinched the victim’s bottom, pulled down his trousers, and groped him. The assault continued with Jessop kissing the victim in the street, despite the young man explicitly telling him that he wanted nothing to do with him.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was clearly distressed and made it known that he did not consent to Jessop’s advances. The court’s verdict underscores the seriousness of the offense and the breach of trust involved. Jessop’s sentencing reflects the gravity of his actions and the impact on the victim. The case has drawn attention to issues of grooming and sexual assault, particularly involving vulnerable individuals in the Beverley area.