Sex offender jailed following guilty conviction

A Leicester man has been jailed for more than six years after he was found guilty of sexual assault.

In the early hours of Saturday 16 November 2019, Lee Young went into the home of his victim – who he knew – unannounced as she slept on the sofa. When she woke, Young started kissing her and telling her he loved her as she tried to push him off her. He then became aggressive, throwing items around her living room, before sexually assaulting her.

During the incident, the victim managed to contact emergency services discretely by pressing the side button on her iPhone five times – which automatically calls 999.

Young was later arrested by police nearby after being found hiding in a front garden. In interview, he remained silent during all questions put to him by police.

On Tuesday 24 September he was found guilty of one count of assault by penetration following a trial at Leicester Crown Court. On Friday (27 September) the 39-year-old was sentenced to six years and eight months’ imprisonment.

Young, of Sharpley Drive, Beaumont Leys, was also placed on the sex offender register for life.

Lee Young

Detective Constable Rachael Lee, the investigating officer, said: “This was undoubtedly a harrowing ordeal for the victim, which she had to relive in front of a jury.

“She has shown a tremendous amount of bravery and courage throughout the investigation and trial. I hope the fact he’s now serving a prison sentence for his crimes brings her a sense that justice has finally been done and allows her to move on with her life.”

“I also hope this case provides some reassurance to the public that such a dangerous individual is now off the streets.”

• There are several different agencies who can offer independent help and support to victims of sexual offences in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
• Further information on these services and details on who to contact if you have been a victim of a sexual offence can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences
• If you have been a victim of sexual assault, you can also contact Juniper Lodge – a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) – by phoning 0116 273 3330 or visiting https://juniperlodge.org.uk/
• You can also find your nearest SARC by visiting https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centre