Chichester man sentenced for sexually assaulting and biting woman

Andy Bell, 38, of Richmond Road, Chichester, was sentenced to 14 months in jail, suspended for two years, for sexual assault and assault causing actual bodily harm at Portsmouth Crown Court on Thursday, March 5.

The incident took place last year on the evening of Saturday, February 23 after Bell had spent the evening drinking.

He approached the victim in Market Road and he repeatedly asked her to go home with him — which she declined.

Bell then proceeded to bite the woman's leg and arm several times, causing significant bruising. He also touched her chest area over her clothes.

She promptly reported the incident to police. Bell was arrested and, after police obtained witness statements, photographic evidence of the bite marks and CCTV footage, he was charged.

Bell pleaded guilty to the charges.

Detective Police Constable Jo French of West Sussex Investigations at Chichester said: "This was a horrible ordeal for the victim and we thank her for her bravery in coming forwards to tell police about what happened.

"The assault caused her significant physical pain and also subjected her to totally unnecessary distress.

"We hope this prosecution encourages victims of sexual crimes to report it to us."

Bell was sentenced to 14 months for sexual assault and 14 months for assault causing actual bodily harm to be served concurrently, to be suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete 250 hours unpaid work, pay £750 compensation to the victim, issued with a five year restraining order and ordered to sign on the sex offenders register for 10 years.