Steven Christian 25

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A HORDLE man who sexually assaulted a woman on their first date was branded a “considerable risk” to women by a judge as he jailed him for more than three years.

Steven Christian (25), of The Pines, caused his victim “severe psychological harm” resulting in panic attacks and nightmares after the incident in Burley on 1st July.

Southampton Crown Court heard how Christian had been exchanging texts with the woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, ahead of their first meeting at a picnic spot.

The victim, who suffers from anxiety, had told Christian she felt comfortable meeting at the spot as it was familiar and safe.

Prosecutor Simon Walter told the court Christian had been “sweet and understanding” about this, his victim later told police.

After walking for a while, the pair sat down and Christian repeatedly attempted to kiss the victim, the court heard.

She continually rejected his “persistent” actions, but eventually gave him a kiss in the hope he would leave her alone.

However, Mr Walter explained, Christian then proceeded to sexually assault the woman by placing his hands on her breasts.

He then repeatedly tried to put her hands on his genital area.

Despite the victim continually asking him to stop, Christian then pulled down his trousers and underwear, exposing himself.

The court heard he then began pleasuring himself.

Mr Walter added: “At this point the victim was literally shouting ‘no’ at him.

“He eventually stopped and abruptly left, acting as if nothing had happened.”

He later sent her a message in which he said he was “really sorry” and added: “I messed up, I’m sorry for letting you down.”

The victim contacted police and, after his arrest, Christian told officers any sexual contact had been consensual.

Reading an impact statement to the court, the victim said the incident had taken “a major toll” on her mental health.

She had been suffering with panic attacks and sleepless nights and was forced to take time off from work.

She said: “I was left feeling frightened and unsafe [and] I am fearful of being taken advantage of.

“I felt exploited, vulnerable and used. I am easily startled and on high alert. I am unable to go to the Forest, even in the company of my family.

“It will take me a long time to trust others again.”

The court heard Christian has one previous conviction for the rape of a woman, which happened in 2018.

He was then sentenced to five years in a young offenders institution and added to the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely.

He was on licence at the time of the sexual assaults, the court heard.

Defending, Laura Duff said her client expressed “the deepest remorse” for the incident and now understood that thinking he could persuade the victim to engage with him in sexual activity was wrong.

She said he was prepared to get help for this behaviour.

He had a strong support network, with his parents present in court, she said, and a job he could return to if he was given a community order instead of a custodial sentence.

Judge Peter Henry sentenced Christian to 38 months in custody with an extended five-year period, meaning he will be kept under supervision after his release.

He told him: “I have no doubt you pose a considerable risk to women.

“An extended prison sentence is required to adequately protect women from the danger you pose.

“You say you were overwhelmed with desire and that you couldn’t help yourself – I suspect that is a recurring theme with you.”

He added the victim had been deceived by his “insincere conduct” and added: “What happened was very far from sweet and understanding.

“Just imagine the fear and disgust and the sense of violation felt by the victim when you were doing the repugnant and self-centred act in front of her.

“This is undoubtably a case where there is severe psychological harm caused by you, which is aggravated by the fact you were still on licence for a previous conviction, and your targeting of a particularly vulnerable victim.”