A 37-year-old man from Lowestoft, Suffolk, has been sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting a schoolgirl after unlawfully entering her home in the early hours of the morning. The incident, which occurred on 13 March 2023, took place at a residence where the victim was sleeping, highlighting the vulnerability of young people in their own homes.
Kyle Lambton, of Avondale Road, Lowestoft, had spent the previous day consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and cocaine, as he later admitted to police. According to court proceedings at Ipswich Crown Court, Lambton entered the house around 1:15am while the girl's father and brother were downstairs watching television. He proceeded directly to the schoolgirl's bedroom, where he placed his hand over her mouth to silence her and began kissing her forehead. The victim managed to scream, alerting the household, and family members quickly confronted Lambton, who then fled the scene.
Prosecutor Marc Brown detailed the harrowing events during the hearing, emphasising the terror experienced by the young victim. Lambton was arrested shortly afterwards and, in his police interview, confessed to drinking from 2pm on 12 March at the Lord Nelson pub in Lowestoft and consuming approximately a gram of cocaine—a habit he claimed occurred weekly. He stated he had no recollection of the assault, attributing it to his intoxicated state, and frankly told officers, 'I'm wasted'.
Lambton had previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault but denied the charge of trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, a plea accepted by the prosecution. Appearing for sentencing on Friday, his defence barrister, Matthew Sorel-Cameron, argued that the offence was out of character for Lambton, who was 'utterly ashamed' and had no memory of the incident. The court was informed that Lambton had prior convictions, but none since 2012 and no previous sexual offences. Sorel-Cameron highlighted Lambton's candour with police regarding his condition and the profound impact he understood his actions had on the girl.
Judge David Pugh, presiding over the case, acknowledged Lambton's excessive intake of 'an excessive cocktail of alcohol and drugs' but stressed that it provided no excuse for his behaviour. 'Although that might be an explanation,' the judge remarked, 'it does not excuse your behaviour.' In addition to the three-year custodial sentence, Lambton was made subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and notification requirements as a sex offender until further order.
The case was reported by the East Anglian Daily Press, drawing on details from Suffolk Constabulary and the court proceedings at Ipswich Crown Court. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by substance abuse and the importance of home security, particularly for families with children.