SOLICITOR TOOK PHOTOS OF WOMAN HE HAD SEXUALLY ASSAULTED AS SHE SLEPT
Judge jails disgraced 51-year-old for five years
DISGRACED solicitor Ashley Attwood has been jailed – after he sexually assaulted a woman as she slept.
The 51-year-old recorded what he was doing by taking pictures of her on his phone.
He deleted the 11 images but police recovered thumbnail versions.
Now Attwood – who is no longer a practising solicitor after being struck off – has been jailed for five years at Stoke-ontrent Crown Court.
Prosecutor Ben Lawrence said Attwood sexually assaulted the woman in August 2018.
She woke up and ‘flinched’ but fell back to sleep.
“However he did it again and also placed his other hand inside her bra.
He was arrested later that day. His phone was examined and police recovered 11 thumbnail images he had taken of his victim as he abused her.
In her victim statements the woman said she has been upset on a daily basis and she still struggles to sleep.
Attwood, of Pershall, Eccleshall, pleaded guilty to assault by penetration.
Lee Karu QC, mitigating, said Attwood is of previous good character.
He said Attwood was fragile having turned to alcohol ‘in a big way’.
He had bipolar but at the time it had not been diagnosed.
Mr Karu QC said: “Every part of his life is lost, the profession he was so proud of, lost. The remorse is genuine.”
Judge Paul Glenn said: “You had taken 11 photos of the complainant.
“It must have been a humiliating experience for her.
“You have taken significant steps in addressing your difficulties, in particular your alcohol dependence and I accept the risk of you re-offending is low.
“You have lost a great deal but I am afraid you have only got yourself to blame for that.”
Attwood will be on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and was barred from a range of activities involving children and vulnerable adults.
Detective Constable Jennie Holland, of Staffordshire Police, said: “This was a very distressing incident.
“We will always do whatever it takes to bring offenders to justice, while ensuring victims and their families are offered the support they need.”
■ Anyone who has suffered sexual abuse can contact Staffordshire Police on 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.