An Isle of Wight man has been jailed after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman while she slept at her home.
James O’Dea, of Grove Road, Ventnor, attended the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Wednesday, September 20, for sentencing after being found guilty of assault by penetration at trial on July 27.
Tim Devlin, prosecuting, said the 46-year-old attended the home of his victim at 8pm on June 28, 2020, and drank alcohol with her and her friend before leaving and returning later when she was alone at 11pm.
Mr Devlin told the court O’Dea continued to drink with the woman until she fell asleep on her sofa.
When the victim woke up, she realised O’Dea had sexually assaulted her without consent and shouted at him to leave, the prosecution said.
A statement from the victim, read out to the court by Mr Devlin, detailed the woman’s paranoia and rage following the assault, stating she doubts herself and ‘feels completely incompetent’ in almost all aspects of her life.
Mr Devlin said O’Dea denies the assault took place.
Lucie Taylor, defending, said her client has numerous character references from professionals and friends, stating the assault was entirely out of character given the ‘contributions he has made to society’.
Ms Taylor asked Judge, Advocate General Alan Large, to consider the effect a prison sentence would have on O’Dea’s son and elderly, unwell parents, who were unaware of the incident until recently.
The judge said he was considering a reduced sentence for O’Dea, as the court proceedings had taken three years before sentencing, but added: “He [O’Dea] was able to do whatever he wanted to her without her being able to resist and took advantage of her for his own sexual gratification.”
Judge, Advocate General Large imposed a restraining order, with O’Dea sentenced to four years in jail, reduced from five, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge.
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