27 January 2024 , 18:29
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A man has been locked up after he sexually assaulted a woman while she slept in a hotel room.
David Braun preyed on his target while she was unconscious in bed at a hotel in Coleford, the Forest of Dean in December 2021. The 53-year-old took the opportunity to sexually assault the woman, inserting an object into her.
The woman woke up during the assault. Braun was arrested and later charged with the offence. He was found guilty on 6 June last year following a trial at Gloucester Crown Court. On Friday the court heard how Braun had shown no remorse for his actions.
In a personal impact statement, the woman said her whole world had been torn apart by the attack and that she did not believe that the sexual assaulter was in any way sorry for what he did to her.
Braun was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court (PAUL NICHOLLS TRINITY MIRROR)Detective Constable Tom Newrick said: "Braun violated the victim when she was at her most vulnerable and his actions are appalling. The victim has been extremely brave throughout our investigation, working with us and giving evidence in court. I hope this outcome shows that cases of this nature will be dealt with robustly and with the utmost seriousness."
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Braun, from Taunton in Somerset, was sentenced to three and a half years imprisonment and told he must serve half before being released on licence. CPS South West District Crown Prosecutor Jill Macnamara said: "We are very pleased that we were able to deliver justice for the victim in this case.
"We want every victim of sexual assault to have the confidence to come forward to report abuse, in the knowledge that support is available and that the police and Crown Prosecution Service are committed to securing justice."
Gloucester Crown Court was told Braun was a man of previous good character and that his behaviour was out of character. If you have experienced rape, sexual assault or abuse, and wish to report the crime, contact police by calling 101 or 999 in the case of an emergency.
A number of different counties offer help and support for people dealing with the effects of rape and abuse, including the Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre. More information can be found at www.glosrasac.org. The NHS has an extensive guide for what to do if you have been sexually assaulted or raped, which can be found on its website.