A Slough man has been sentenced today (20/2) to 18 months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in Langley in August 2008.
George Raymond Joyce, aged 33, of Langley Road, Langley, Slough was found guilty at Reading Crown Court on 22 January and remanded in custody to await sentencing.
At about 4am on 21 August 2008, a Slough woman in her early sixties was waiting at a bus stop in Langley Road on her way to work. Joyce approached the woman and, after trying to make conversation, pushed her to the ground, put his hand up her skirt and sexually assaulted her.
Luckily, Joyce was disturbed in the act by a couple out walking, who heard the woman’s screams and came to her assistance. The man from this couple then pursued Joyce along Beech Road and Downs Road, Slough remaining at the scene until police arrived shortly afterwards. The couple then spotted Joyce hiding in a nearby front garden, and he was pulled out and arrested by a police officer.
In a unanimous verdict by the jury, Joyce was found guilty of sexual assault, and also of battery for pushing the woman over prior to committing the offence.
At court the Slough victim’s husband said: “If it hadn’t been for the police and the couple, then the whole thing could have been a million times worse. I dread to think what could have happened.”
Det Con Richard Jarvis, who investigated the incident, said: “I would like to thank everyone who assisted with this investigation, in particular the two members of the public who came to the woman’s aid. Their prompt action undoubtedly prevented a more serious offence and contributed to Joyce being brought to justice.”
Thames Valley Police ~ Slough
