Braintree: Woman who was sexually assaulted thanks police for helping her get justice
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A young woman who was sexually assaulted has spoken of the impact the incident has had on her life and thanked Essex Police for helping her get justice.
The woman, aged in her 20s, was assaulted in the Braintree district in September 2019.
Last week the perpetrator was sentenced for his criminal behaviour. He will be on the sex offenders register for ten years and has received a suspended prison sentence.
The victim says the assault left her questioning and blaming herself for his behaviour.
“I made my boundaries really clear and said I did not want to be touched, but he completely disregarded this and his behaviour, verbally and physically, became more sexualised until he actually assaulted me.
"I was so shocked and burst into tears.
"But I was determined that he should face justice for what he did to me.”
Officers from Essex Police’s Public Protection team launched an investigation and charged Warren McLean, of Blott Rise, Witham, with one count of sexual assault on a female.
The 51-year-old denied the charge, but a jury didn’t believe him, and he was found guilty by a majority verdict at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday 16 August.
McLean had denied sexual assault and when questioned he provided a statement where he claimed he had never had physical contact of a sexual nature which he knew was unwanted or inappropriate, but then answered no comment to all questions put to him.
On the day of the assault, the victim told the court that she was on her own with the defendant and had fled the scene after the incident in tears.
At the same court on Monday 1 November McLean was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and is subject to a five-year restraining order.
He was also ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work, attend a sex offending programme and complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
After the case, investigating officer Detective Sergeant Carla Hillyer praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward and said Essex Police will continue to do all we can to ensure those intent on causing violence and harm to women and girls face justice.
“This young victim was subjected to a sexual assault and she bravely reported this to us and despite his denials he has been found guilty of his crime and has rightly been punished.
"I would urge anyone in this position to speak up and contact us, you will be listened to, and we will fully investigate."
The victim added she feels relieved that justice has been served.
“It was a tough experience to go through, but I felt so supported by Carla and also by my advisor Jemma.
"They made me feel that I do matter and that really helped me.
"I read my victim impact statement in court and felt like I was doing it on behalf of any woman who has been the victim of sexual assault.”
Synergy Essex
Synergy Essex offers independent and specialised services for individuals who have experienced rape or sexual abuse in Essex.
Synergy Essex is a partnership of three services; Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service, and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis).
The services provided by Synergy Essex are independent of the police. This ensures individuals can seek help whether they choose to report the incident or not. This could be in relation to something that happened recently or in the past.
Survivors and victims can access support by reaching out on their own or through a referral from someone they trust. This could be a family member, friend, or professional.
At Synergy Essex, people of all ages can benefit from specialised emotional support. This includes counselling and advocacy.
For those pursuing legal action, they offer the help of an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA). The advisers can guide and support them through the criminal justice process.
To learn more about the services available, please visit the Synergy Essex website.