TANYA LORD SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS IN ULSTER FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON MAN ASLEEP

A woman named Tanya Lord, aged 41, has received a prison sentence of two years after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a man while he was sleeping. The incident took place on June 23, 2020, at her residence in Derrylodge Manor in Lurgan, County Armagh, within the region of Ulster.

Lord had previously admitted to engaging in sexual activity without the informed consent of the male victim, and this admission was part of her legal proceedings. Her sentencing occurred at Craigavon Crown Court, where the presiding judge, Patrick Lynch, underscored the seriousness of the offence. The judge emphasized that the severity of rape does not depend on the gender of the victim, stating, "There is no distinction between male and female rape. The fact that a male is the victim doesn't make it any less serious than the rape of a female victim."

During the court hearing, Judge Lynch highlighted the rarity of similar cases across the UK and acknowledged the profound impact on the victim. He described how the individual had undergone counseling, was prescribed medication, and now has difficulty trusting others, adding, "I would not wish this on anyone," in a victim impact statement read aloud during the proceedings.

Prosecutors provided details indicating that Lord, who resides at Derrylodge Manor, had been working and was drinking alcohol throughout the day. After she finished her workday, the victim, who knew Lord to be a lesbian, met her at her home, and they continued drinking together. The court was told that the two went to bed afterward, and the victim did not anticipate any sexual advances given the victim’s understanding of Lord’s sexual orientation.

However, during the night, the victim awoke to find Lord on top of him. The court heard that the victim attempted to push her off, and she pretended to sleep. The man then got up and went downstairs, seemingly to process what had happened. Later examination revealed that Lord’s DNA was found on the victim, confirming her involvement in the sexual act.

The prosecution argued that the case exemplifies the importance of equal recognition for male victims of sexual crimes, stating, "Factually this case involved a woman having sex with a man without his consent and there should be parity between male victims of sexual crime and female victims. To do otherwise would affirm the myth that men are less affected by sexual assault than women."

Defense attorneys pointed out Lord's mental health issues, including a personality disorder, which they said contributed to her actions. They also expressed that she feels remorse and has shown some awareness of the victim's suffering. Her legal representative conveyed her apology to the victim through the court.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Lynch reinforced the need to dispel the myth that men are less vulnerable to the consequences of sexual assaults. In addition to the two-year prison term, Lord was subjected to a strict seven-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, emphasizing the gravity and societal importance of the case within Ulster.