TARIS REEVES

DARTFORD WOMAN SENTENCED OVER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON A MAN

A drunk woman sexually touched a man when she rubbed his private parts over his clothing after hugging him.

Taris Reeves was charged with sexual assault on the male, who can’t be named for legal reasons, after an incident in Dartford in January 2024.

Reeves, of Bridge Drive, Dartford, admitted the offence in February, and she appeared via video link at Medway Magistrates’ Court from her home on April 2 to be sentenced.

Prosecutor Terry Knox, said the 34-year-old first hugged the man when she grabbed him and put her arms around his shoulders.

He added: “She then grabbed and rubbed his penis area.

It was over clothing, and she kissed him on the side of the neck.” District Judge Stephen Leake heard that Reeves, who suffers from depression, had run out of her medication and had been drinking heavily on the day in question.

She didn’t really recall the incident.

However, she accepted she did commit the act by way of her guilty plea and regrets her actions and had been of previous good character.

Judge Leake said he would give her credit for her early guilty plea.

During the hearing, he had to tell her to keep quiet on numerous occasions as she kept interrupting proceedings.

He added: “The sexual assault happened when you touched him on his groin over clothing, and you said ‘you can have this as well’ and kissed him on the neck.

“He didn’t consent, and I have to sentence you over that.

“The starting point is a high-level community order, and I have read a lot about you and observed you today and on previous occasions, and it’s clear to me you don’t have an understanding of boundaries.

“You interacted with me on the video link, and it’s clear you have difficulty with conflict and approaching people.

I’ve seen no reflection of remorse; you don’t seem to understand the seriousness of the offence.” “However, you have no previous convictions, and this was out of character.” As a result, he placed Reeves on a 10-month community order, which will see her complete a nine-month alcohol treatment requirement, and she was also ordered to attend 20 rehabilitation sessions.

She must also pay her victim £200 in compensation and was also issued with a 24-month restraining order.

Reeves will pay what she owes the court at a rate of £20 a month.