Chester man jailed for sexual assault

A man who was found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenager in Chester has been jailed.

Gareth Griffiths was sentenced to nine-years in prison at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 6 May.

The 46-year-old, of Wordsworth Crescent in Chester, had previously been found guilty of sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration.

He had also earlier pleaded guilty to intentional suffocation and two counts of assault in connection with an unrelated matter.

The court heard how Griffiths attended a birthday party at an address in Blacon in November 2023.

During the evening, Griffith’s began making sexual comments to the victim, an 18-year-old girl, and touched her inappropriately.

The victim fell asleep at the address later that night and awoke to find Griffiths sexually assaulting her.

The incident was reported to Cheshire Constabulary the next day and Griffiths was subsequently arrested and charged.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Steve Popplestone said: 

“During questioning, Griffiths denied any involvement and tried to undermine the victim’s account, claiming the allegations against him were simply a fabrication.

“He has shown no remorse for his actions throughout this investigation and even made the victim relive her trauma by way of a trial.

“In spite of this, he was rightfully found guilty by a jury thanks to the substantial casefile of evidence gathered against him – which included forensic analysis showing Griffiths’ DNA to be present on the victim’s underwear.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Griffiths was handed a 15-year restraining order and also ordered to sign the sex offender’s register.

DI Popplestone added: 

“I would like to thank the victim for her bravery in coming forward and speaking about what happened to her.

“No-one should have to go through what she has been through, and I hope the conclusion of this court process will help to bring her some sense of closure. Although nothing will make her forget what this despicable man did, her evidence and courage has meant Griffiths is now behind bars for a significant length of time, where he can no longer pose a danger to women.

“We will continue to do all we can to tackle any incident of violence against women and take all reports of such crimes extremely seriously and will investigate thoroughly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

To report any sexual offence call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit:

http://www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us

Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on:

0800 555 111

Help and information can also be found online at:

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/

Pictured - Gareth Griffiths of Wordsworth Crescent in Chester.