North Herts man jailed for sexual assault offences

A man from North Herts was jailed at Luton Crown Court on Friday (24 June) after being convicted of sex offences.

Richard Newman, aged 51, from High Street in Reed, was sentenced to three years and six months after being found guilty of sexual assault and sexual assault by penetration.

The incident occurred following a party back in October 2017. The female victim had fallen asleep on a sofa when Newman assaulted her.

The victim managed to call 999 and Newman was arrested, but denied the allegations against him.

Detective Sergeant Amy Farmer, from the Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team (SOIT), said: "Newman despicably took advantage of the victim as she slept. She was so traumatised by what had happened, that she was initially unable to speak during her 999 call to police as she could not stop crying.

“I’d like to praise her for the bravery she has shown throughout the trial and I hope she can begin to move forward now that Newman is behind bars.”

Becoming a victim of a sexual assault is never your fault. If you’ve been a victim, no matter how long ago the offence occurred, please report it. The constabulary has specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation. It also has a number of officers who are specially trained to provide support to members of the LGBT+ community.

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support. The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them. This service is open to everyone – men, women and young people, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

To contact Herts SARC, call the 24/7 helpline on 0808 178 4448, contact them via email or visit the SARC website (opens in a new window).