Taris Reeves

A 34-year-old woman from Dartford, Kent, has been sentenced for sexually assaulting a man in an incident that occurred in January 2024. Taris Reeves, who admitted to the offence, approached the victim, hugged him, and then proceeded to touch him inappropriately.

The assault took place when Reeves, who was heavily intoxicated after running out of her depression medication, grabbed the man and put her arms around his shoulders. She then rubbed his penis area over his clothing and kissed him on the side of the neck, reportedly saying, 'you can have this as well'. The victim did not consent to these actions, and the incident was captured in the context of Reeves' lack of understanding of personal boundaries, as noted during the court proceedings.

Reeves, of Bridge Drive, Dartford, first appeared in court in February 2024, where she pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault. She was sentenced on 2 April 2024 at Medway Magistrates’ Court via video link from her home. District Judge Stephen Leake, who presided over the case, highlighted that the starting point for sentencing was a high-level community order. He observed Reeves' behaviour during the hearing, noting her interruptions and apparent lack of remorse or comprehension of the offence's seriousness.

• Reeves had no previous convictions and the incident was described as out of character.
• The judge credited her early guilty plea but emphasised her difficulties with boundaries and conflict.
• Prosecutor Terry Knox detailed the sequence of events, stating: “She then grabbed and rubbed his penis area. It was over clothing, and she kissed him on the side of the neck.”

Despite her regret, as expressed through her plea, the court imposed a 10-month community order on Reeves, including a nine-month alcohol treatment requirement and 20 rehabilitation activity sessions. She was also ordered to pay £200 in compensation to the victim and faced a 24-month restraining order prohibiting contact. Payments to the court are to be made at £20 per month. The case was reported by KentOnline, drawing attention to issues of consent and the impacts of alcohol and mental health on behaviour.