YEOVIL man Steven Hentschel has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl – and handed a suspended prison sentence.
On Wednesday, May 21, at Taunton Crown Court sitting in North Somerset, the 54-year-old was issued with a five-year restraining order.
A jury was told her Hentschel told the victim she was beautiful before kissing her on the lips in Yeovil several years ago.
Hentschel pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault. A jury, after hearing the evidence during a trial earlier this year, found Hentschel guilty of one count and not guilty of the second.
He was then released on bail ahead of the sentencing hearing, where he received a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to carry out 120 hours’ of unpaid work and complete a 20-day rehabilitation requirement.
He will be added to the sex offenders’ register for seven years and also received a five-year restraining order.
READ MORE: Crime news from your Somerset Leveller
DC Emma Whatley, officer in the case, said: “We are grateful to the victim, her family and everybody who supported our investigation by providing vital information.
“That courage to come forward has enabled us to achieve this conviction.
“The victim knew the defendant before this incident; his actions violated the trust she placed in him, which is why we welcome the five-year restraining order being issued.”
Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year. Visit their website at www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999.
READ MORE: Yeovil news from your Somerset Leveller
I was in the court room and that wasn’t the offence… it was a 2-3 second kiss on the cheek is exactly what was said in court