Pensioner sexually assaulted woman because he was 'lonely'

A PENSIONER has avoided prison after he admitted sexually assaulting a woman because he was “lonely”.

David Broomhead (78), of Chatsworth Close, Aston, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday for the assault in February, which was referred to as an “isolated moment of madness”.

Judge Michael Slater said after taking everything into account, the offence was so serious that only a prison term was justified— but he decided to “narrowly” suspend the 12-month sentence for two years. 

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Prosecuting, James Baird said Broomhead had become friendly with a woman and she had invited him in for a cup of tea.

He replied: “You can have dinner with me if you like?” but she declined.

Broomhead put his arms around her for “too long” and she had pulled away, the court heard. 

Mr Baird said widowed Broomhead had touched the woman’s breast, saying: “I have not felt bangers like this for a long time” and that he was “so lonely”. 

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Broomhead also tried to lift the woman’s top up, the court heard.

The woman told her partner about the incident, said to have lasted 15 minutes, and then called the police. 

Mr Baird said the woman “did not feel safe” because of Broomhead’s actions and now suffered anxiety, particular in male company.

“It is not a severe offence, but has caused psychological harm in this case,” he added.

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Ms Rebecca Tanner, mitigating, told the court this was a “difficult case” as well as being an “unusual and expectional one”.

Broomhead, who was a keen clay pigeon shooter, was of good character and had nothing on his record.

Ms Tanner said Broomhead was “not a sexual predator, but made a crude approach on the defendant”. 

She said: “He stopped when he was told to and he knows this has caused anguish to the defendant. 

“He misread the situation and is extremely sorry.

“It was an isolated moment of madness.”

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Ms Tanner said Broomhead was remorseful, terribly ashamed and embarrased. 

She said Broomhead had been married for 43 years until his wife died in 2016, and shortly after that, he also lost his brother. 

He was said to have a number of physical and medical ailments, having an eye operation with more planned. 

Ms Tanner said it would have a “profound impact on him” if he lost his liberty. 

Judge Slater said; “I have no doubt you are geninuely remorseful in what was an intolerable lapse.

 

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