Locations
Barrington Close, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28
Description
Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has been jailed for sexual offences in West Oxfordshire.
Lee Butcher, aged 27, of Barrington Close, Witney, was convicted of a count each of knowingly/recklessly trespassing on a premises with intent to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault on a female, following a trial at Oxford Crown Court.
Butcher initially pleaded not guilty to the offences, but changed his plea to guilty on day three of the trial on Monday (9/6).
He was subsequently sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and he will be required to comply with notification requirements as a registered sex offender.
In the early morning of 10 August 2024, Butcher entered the victim’s home address via a kitchen window in West Oxfordshire.
He then went upstairs to the victim’s bedroom and sexually assaulted her, before leaving.
He was arrested and charged on the same day.
Investigating officer Detective Constable George Hill said: “Butcher made his way into an address via a downstairs window before going on to sexually assault his victim in a place she should have felt safe.
“There is absolutely no excuse for his behaviour, and I am pleased he eventually changed his plea to guilty and has now been sentenced to prison as a result.
“This kind of abuse is never acceptable and I hope that this custodial sentence shows that we listen and investigate fully, taking every action possible to safeguard victims.
“I would encourage any victims of assault and abuse to come forward and report this. You will be listened to and supported and we will seek to put offenders before the courts.”