A man has been handed a six-year custodial sentence after he lured a teenage girl into a Telford car park before sexually assaulting her.
Lee Ward, also known as Lee Thomas, persuaded his victim to follow him into a Telford town centre car park on the evening on February 4, 2023, when she was walking alone.
The 42-year-old, of no fixed abode, then led the 16-year-old girl into the stairwell of the car park.
Ward then produced a blanket and carried out the sexual assault while his victim pleaded with him to stop.
The girl then left the scene visibly distressed, and later reported the incident leading to police launching an investigation.
Following a number of enquiries, the suspect was identified as Ward, and he was arrested on February 20, 2023, while busking outside Asda in Telford town centre.
Ward was subsequently charged with four counts of sexual assault, assault by penetration and attempting to cause a person to engage in sexual activity.
In October of this year, Ward was found guilty of all charges by a jury following a 10-day trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court.
On Friday, 28 November, Ward was handed a six and half year sentence at Stafford Crown Court for the traumatising incident.
Detective Constable Jack Pedley said: “This was a harrowing case and I am relieved that justice has been achieved as Ward is a danger to the wider public, especially women and girls.
“The courage shown by the victim in coming forward has been instrumental and I hope this outcome offers her some reassurance. As officers our duty is not only to support victims but also to protect the wider community; particularly vulnerable children from individuals, like Ward, who pose a serious risk.
“I also hope that this result gives confidence to other victims of similar offences, showing them that they will be listened to, supported, and that offenders will be brought to justice.”
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