A man who sexually assaulted a woman and a child on separate occasions in Barrow has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order.
Benjamin Scowcroft, 41, of no fixed address, admitted two charges – one of sexual assault and one of sexual assault by touching of a female under the age of 13 and was sentenced at Preston Crown Court today (26 Oct).
The court heard how Scowcroft attended a store in Barrow on 3 February 2024 where he sexually assaulted a teenage girl.
The following day he returned to the same store where he assaulted a second girl – this one under the age of 13.
Scowcroft was arrested and, at his home address, officers recovered a receipt which placed Scowcroft at the store on 4 February 2024.
Scowcroft initially denied the offences but changed his plea to guilty at court.
He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until 2033 and a seven-year notification requirement.
Detective Constable Alex Brown said: “Such offending is taken extremely seriously and investigated thoroughly and professionally
“I would urge anyone who has been subject to offences of this nature to come forward.
“Cumbria Police are committed to holding such perpetrators accountable and bringing them before the courts.”
WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?
A list of services available in your postcode area are summarised here: www.sexualviolencesupport.co.uk.
For a full list of support services available, visit: Support after rape and sexual assault | Cumbria Police
HOW DO I REPORT TO POLICE?
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police.
You can also phone on 101.
Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.