Gareth Sherwin

Gareth Sherwin, a 49-year-old man from Brindley Ford, appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre where he pleaded guilty to sexual assault and assaulting a police officer in the execution of his duty.

The incident occurred while Sherwin was being detained by a female police officer in relation to a separate matter. Prosecutor Kyle Padley detailed how Sherwin began using inappropriate language, telling the officer she was 'gorgeous' and expressing a desire for her to perform a sex act on him. As the officer searched his pockets, Sherwin encouraged her to 'get in deeper' and continued with sexualised comments. When questioned about his behaviour, he admitted, 'It is because I have got a hard on. I get a f****** hard on for blonde police officers. I am going to stick my d*** in you'. He then thrust his penis into her bottom, an action that made the officer's skin crawl.

Sherwin's aggression persisted, requiring the use of a spithood to restrain him. Even while restrained, he continued making inappropriate comments. During the struggle, he kicked another officer in the leg. The court heard that Sherwin has a previous conviction for sexual assault from October 2023.

In mitigation, Anne Woodcock explained that Sherwin was under the influence of alcohol at the time. She noted his remorse during police interview, where he described his behaviour as 'absolutely disgusting and diabolical' and himself as a 'terrible person'. Once sober, he immediately regretted his actions and apologised. Woodcock highlighted Sherwin's struggles with alcohol and coping with his mother's death.

Magistrates sentenced Sherwin to 34 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, along with a six-month alcohol treatment requirement, a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and a 26-session programme requirement. He was ordered to pay £500 compensation to the assaulted officer, £100 to the other officer, £85 in costs, and a £187 surcharge. Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years.