Hartlepool man jailed after sex attack on woman in 'dark and quiet street'
A man who sexually assaulted a vulnerable woman has been locked up.
Lewis Holliday took the victim into a dark and quiet side street before subjecting her to a “relatively prolonged” attempt at sexual contact.
At one point the woman was on the ground, Teesside Crown Court heard, and Holliday appeared to try to touch her legs.
The street where the attack happened was covered by CCTV and Holliday, 25, was found guilty of sexual assault following a trial this April.
He was sentenced to 18 months prison when he returned to court on Monday.
Prosecutor Paul Newcombe said the victim was in a vulnerable state when Holliday attacked her.
He said there was aggravating factors including the fact Holliday was intoxicated and the incident has had a serious effect on the victim including anxiety, disturbed sleep and now socialises less.
Stephen Constantine, mitigating, said the offence was “out of character” for Holliday and that he had no previous convictions.
He added there had been “no repeat” of the kind of behaviour since the assault took place.
Mr Constantine said: “He is willing to do anything to reduce the risk of this kind of thing happening again.”
Judge Deborah Sherwin said the victim was “in a bad way” when Holliday sexually assaulted her, adding: “She has been very profoundly affected by this.”
Judge Sherwin said it was so serious that only immediate prison could be justified.
Holliday, who is from Sitwell Walk, in Hartlepool, was also given a five-year restraining order.