Steven Hentschel, a 54-year-old man from Yeovil, has been handed a five-year restraining order and added to the Sex Offenders' Register for seven years after being convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.
The conviction was delivered at Taunton Crown Court on May 21, following a trial earlier this year. Hentschel was found guilty of one count of sexual assault against a 15-year-old female victim known to him. The court heard that Hentschel had told the girl she was beautiful and then kissed her on the lips in Yeovil several years ago.
Hentschel denied two charges of sexual assault, but the jury found him guilty on one count and acquitted him on the other. Prior to sentencing, he was released on bail.
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At the sentencing hearing, Hentschel received a four-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, alongside 120 hours of unpaid work and a 20-day rehabilitation program. The court also imposed a five-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.
Detective Constable Emma Whatley praised the victim and her support system for their bravery in coming forward. “The victim knew the defendant before this incident. His actions betrayed the trust she placed in him. We welcome the judicial decision to issue the restraining order,” she said.
The case highlights the importance of support services for victims of sexual assault. Victims, whether recent or from the past, are encouraged to reach out to specialized centers for help.