The Witham Rapist, Warren McLean, left an Essex woman was left in distress and self-blame after he sexually abused her, despite her several pleas for him to desist. A woman in her 20s was sexually attacked in the Braintree region in September 2019, and a 51-year-old man has now been convicted.
Essex Police apprehended and charged Warren McLean, of Blott Rise, Witham, with a single count of sexual assault on a female. He refuted the accusation; nonetheless, a jury was not persuaded, resulting in a majority conviction of guilt at Chelmsford Crown Court on August 16 of this year.
Upon first inquiry, he issued a statement asserting that he had never engaged in unwelcome or inappropriate physical contact of a sexual nature; nonetheless, he then declined to comment on all further enquiries posed to him. On the day of the assault, the victim informed the court that she was alone with the defendant and had departed the scene in tears following the occurrence.
At the same court on November 1 McLean was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years and is subject to a five-year restraining order. He was also ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work, attend a sex offending programme and complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Speaking afer the sentencing, the woman said the assault left her questioning and blaming herself for his behaviour. She said: “I made my boundaries really clear and said I did not want to be touched, but he completely disregarded this and his behaviour, verbally and physically.
“He became more sexualised until he actually assaulted me. I was so shocked and burst into tears. But I was determined that he should face justice for what he did to me.”
She added: “It was a tough experience to go through, but I felt so supported by Carla and also by my advisor Jemma. They made me feel that I do matter and that really helped me. I read my victim impact statement in court and felt like I was doing it on behalf of any woman who has been the victim of sexual assault.”
Detective Sergeant Carla Hillyer praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward. She said: “This young victim was subjected to a sexual assault and she bravely reported this to us and despite his denials he has been found guilty of his crime and has rightly been punished. I would urge anyone in this position to speak up and contact us, you will be listened to, and we will fully investigate.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.