Shrewsbury man avoids jail after sexually assaulting woman

Jason Fielding, 48, had grabbed the victim and pushed her on to a sofa during the incident.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday, Fielding, of Yew Tree Close, was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Judge Anthony Lowe said that despite the defendant’s difficulties he knew what he was doing and had attempted to shift the blame by suggesting he had been “egged on” by the victim.

“I do not believe that and she offered no encouragement and only saw you as a trusted friend,” he said.

Judge Lowe said he had taken the view that it was an "aberration", which meant he was able to suspend the prison term. Fielding was also made subject to a rehabilitation programme and was placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Restraining order

A restraining order preventing contact with the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will also run for 10 years.

Fielding had admitted a charge of sexual assault. The court heard the defendant and the victim had been in regular contact as friends.

In an impact statement, the woman said she was left anxious, suffered panic attacks and, fearing she would see the defendant if she was out, had been forced to move away from the area.

Mr Raglan Ashton, for Fielding, said his client had suffered meningitis, which had affected his speech and hearing, and Russell Silver syndrome had affected his appearance, growth and personality. He said Fielding had misconstrued her feelings towards him.

He said his client led a generally isloated life, apart from support from his late mother and subsequently, his brother.

Mr Ashton said that Fielding had a friendship with the woman and he had misconstrued her feelings towards him.