Horncastle man jailed for sexually abusing young woman

A man was jailed after sexually abusing a young woman.

Lincoln Crown Court heard that 53-year-old Gary Wilkinson touched and licked the woman's neck before attempting to undress her and touch her breasts.

Wilkinson, of Mark Avenue, Horncastle, admitted being accused of sexual assault.

He was sentenced to 17 months in prison and must also register as a sex offender for ten years.

Prosecutor Neil Sands told the court that the sexual assault took place after Wilkinson attended a beer festival.

Wilkinson pulled down the victim's tank top and also tried to pull down her shorts, he said.

The attack continued even as the woman began to cry, Mr Sands added.

The court heard that Wilkinson apologised to his victim and asked her not to say anything.

The court was told that he had made false statements to the police and protested his innocence during an interrogation by the probation service.

Mr Sands said the age difference between Wilkinson and his victim was an aggravating circumstance.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the woman said she had “felt awful” since the incident, which had affected her mental health and made her suspicious.

In his mitigating statement, Sam Jones told the court that Wilkinson had been subjected to hate mail, his plastering business had declined and his car tires had been slashed.

He no longer had a relationship with his partner.

In sentencing, Judge Graham Huston said Wilkinson showed no remorse or compassion for his victim.

He said the victim did everything in his power to protest, but Wilkinson continued his attack.

A five-year restraining order was issued against Wilkinson.

If you are affected by any of the issues described in this story, you can get help and support at BBC Action Line.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Soundswatch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should cover Here.