Two men sentenced after sexually assaulting woman in Ellesmere Port

Two 20-year-olds have been sentenced after sexually assaulting a woman at a house party in Ellesmere Port.

George Johnson, of Dunkirk Lane, Whitby, Ellesmere Port, and Vincenzo Montessori, of Polden Close, Little Sutton, Ellesmere Port, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 21 June.

Johnson was sentenced to 10 years in a young offender institution for attempted rape and sexual assault. Meanwhile, Montessori was sentenced to five years in a young offender institution for sexual assault.

On 27 December 2020, the pair, who were 17 at the time, attended a house party along with other young people.

Following the party, the 20-year-old victim could not remember the evening, however she was told by a friend she had been sexually assaulted, and she subsequently reported it to police.

A video, which police discovered on a phone seized from one of the partygoers, showed two people sexually assaulting her.

Johnson and Montessori – who were identified from the footage – are seen to take it in turns to sexually assault the victim.

The footage was clear and showed the victim in an intoxicated state, so she was unable to consent or prevent what was happening to her. During the footage, Johnson attempted to rape her.

The pair were arrested and later charged in relation to the incident.

Montessori pleaded guilty prior to a trial and Johnson was found guilty following a week-long trial.

In addition to their sentences, both will be subject to a restraining order and must sign the sex offender register.

Following the sentencing DC Joe Duckworth said:

“Firstly, I would like to recognise the bravery the victim has shown throughout this investigation and subsequent court proceedings.

“Whilst it appeared the video evidence spoke for itself, Johnson still put her through an extremely traumatic trial, where she had to relive the impact of this crime.

“I would also like to thank the jury for their fair, rational, and objective approach when trying Johnson.

“They too had to watch the evidence provided during the trial and I am sure this will remain with them for a long time.

“Despite being only 17 at the time of the offence, Johnson and Montessori knew what they were doing; this is clear from their reactions, seen on the video whilst they were committing their crimes.

“They chose to take advantage of a woman while she could not consent, now they need to live with the consequences of their actions.

“This crime has resulted in two young people being sentenced and a woman having to live the rest of her life with the knowledge of what happened to her.

“This is an incredibly hard-hitting case, and I sincerely hope that this serves as a reminder of the importance of having meaningful conversations surrounding consent and the impact intoxication can have on people’s capacity to consent.

"We would also like to remind people that the victim in this case is entitled to anonymity."