Ex-postman, 52, jailed for sexually assaulting young mother

Simon Dene Thomas, 52, was jailed for 18 months at Mold Crown Court after admitting the offence.

David Mainstone, prosecuting, said the attack happened in January last year after victim, a young mother in her 20s, had a rare night out with friends at a Welshpool pub and met Thomas.

Thomas, of Brookfield Road, Welshpool, later went to her house at around 1am and knocked on the door.

Mr Mainstone said Thomas attempted to kiss her when she answered and sexually assaulted her.

As she fought to get away from him the woman's toddler daughter watched and screamed from the top of the stairs, the court heard.

The victim eventually managed to shut the door on Thomas.

The next day Thomas was apologetic and said he couldn't remember what happened, telling police he had been attracted to her.

In an impact statement the woman said what had happened made her sad and depressed and she had been unable to sleep. She lost her faith in men and gave up her job because it involved looking after them.

Matthew Dunford, defending, said Thomas had acted out of character. His printing business had failed and his marriage ended after 30 years. He had then worked as a postman.

Asking the judge to consider a suspended sentence Mr Dunford said Thomas was remorseful.

Judge Rees Rowlands said: "It was a serious offence committed in the victim's home in the early hours of the morning, far too serious to be anything other than immediately custody."

He imposed a five-year restraining order banning any contact with the woman, and told Thomas: "There's a significant difference in your ages. Your behaviour has had a profound effect on her and she's lost faith and trust in men and had to leave her job."