Man jailed for car park sex attack

A man has been handed a six-and-a-half-year custodial sentence after he sexually assaulted a teenage girl in a Telford car park. Lee Ward, who is also known as Lee Thomas, persuaded his 16-year-old victim to follow him into the town centre car park when she was walking alone on the evening of February 4, 2023.

The 42-year-old, who has no fixed abode, then led the girl into the stairwell of the car park. Ward produced a blanket and carried out the sexual assault while his victim pleaded with him to stop.

The girl left the scene visibly distressed and later reported the incident to the police, which prompted an investigation.

Ward was identified as the suspect following a number of enquiries and was arrested on February 20, 2023, while busking outside the Asda in Telford town centre.

Ward was subsequently charged with four counts of sexual assault, assault by penetration, and attempting to cause a person to engage in sexual activity. In October of this year, a jury at Shrewsbury Crown Court found him guilty of all charges following a ten-day trial.

On Friday, November 28, Ward was sentenced at Stafford Crown Court for the traumatising incident.

Detective Constable Jack Pedley commented on the case.

“This was a harrowing case and I am relieved that justice has been achieved as Ward is a danger to the wider public, especially women and girls,” Detective Constable Pedley said. “The courage shown by the victim in coming forward has been instrumental and I hope this outcome offers her some reassurance.”

He added: “As officers our duty is not only to support victims but also to protect the wider community; particularly vulnerable children from individuals, like Ward, who pose a serious risk.”