'Dangerous' Northampton sex offender who assaulted teenage girl jailed for seven years

A 33-year-old Northampton man who sexually abused a teenage girl in a layby has been jailed.

Pierre Thomas Coleman, 33, of Northampton, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the 14-year-old after the attack in August 2019.

During the incident, which happened at about 2pm in The Headlands, Northampton, Coleman drove her to a layby and sexually assaulted her before driving off.

Following a media appeal, information came in linking Coleman to the crime. He was swiftly arrested, charged with sexual assault and with sexual activity in front of a child, and at Northampton Crown Court last week, he pleaded guilty to the offences.

Coleman was sentenced to seven years in prison and was also found dangerous, meaning he will have to serve a minimum of three quarters of his sentence.

Lead Investigator, DC Cory Wise, said: “The bravery shown by the young girl in this case has been astounding and I hope she can take some comfort in seeing Coleman sentenced to a lengthy spell in prison.

“This was an absolutely terrifying offence and we were absolutely determined to catch the man who did it and bring him to justice.

“I am pleased that we have managed to do that and that Coleman, a very dangerous offender, has been taken off the streets of Northampton, making them safer as a result.

“I hope this case shows how seriously Northamptonshire Police take sexual assault – that we will always believe the victim, treat then with the utmost sensitivity, and ensure the case is thoroughly investigated to get a positive outcome.”