Man, 21, sentenced for sexual assault

A 21-year-old man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a girl in 2019.

At Northampton Crown Court in June this year - Jay Cunnington, of Bants Lane, Northampton, pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 - 15 and one count of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 - 15.

The charges relate to an incident in February 2019 when Cunnington sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl when he was 17-years-old. He also sent her inappropriate photos of himself.

At the same court today (November 14), Cunnington was handed a two year sentence, suspended for two years. He was also issued with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, 120 hours of unpaid work, a restraining order against the victim, and ordered to pay £670 in costs.

Lead Investigator, Detective Sergeant Andrea Taylor, said: “Jay Cunnington knew this girl was only 13-years-old when he made sexual advances towards her – something she did not want and was not in a position to be able to consent to.

“Whilst no sentence will make up for the impact he has had on her, I hope the conclusion of this lengthy court process will allow her to move forward with her life in the knowledge that speaking out has uncovered Cunnington to the world as the sexual offender he is. 

“She has shown immense bravery and I want to thank her for her support throughout the investigation. We know how hard it is to approach the police, especially when reporting a crime of this nature, and she has shown courage beyond her years and indeed, beyond what should ever have been expected of her, in coming forward.”

Northamptonshire Police takes reports of sexual assault very seriously and will always treat reports of this nature with the confidentiality and sensitivity they deserve.

We will believe you.

If you have been a victim of a sexual assault, whether recent or non-recent, please come forward by calling 101 or visiting www.northants.police.uk.

If you have been a victim of a sexual offence but are not yet ready to speak to the police, please visit www.voicenorthants.org or call Voice on 0300 303 1965. Voice is a support service for anyone living in Northamptonshire, regardless of when, where or how crime happened to you. Services are free, confidential and you don’t have to have reported anything to the police.