Acocks Green man tried to buy off young sex assault victim

Oct 9 2009 by Sophie Cross, Birmingham Mail

A TERRIFIED teenage girl was sexually assaulted by a man who offered her £20 to keep quiet, a court heard.

Stephen Perry, 53, of Westley Road, Acocks Green, put his hands around the 15-year-old and kissed her on the cheeks, telling her he “just wanted to be with someone for five minutes”.

He later put £20 on her knee and told her not to cry.

Perry, a director of sales and industry, initially denied sexually assaulting the girl but changed his plea at Solihull Magistrates’ Court.

The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, told police Perry said his “life was rubbish at the moment” and that he had taken “a liking to her”.

He put his arms around her and rested his head on her shoulder, later telling her he had “messed up” and he hated himself.

The victim told police: “I felt as though I couldn’t escape. I was scared. He was so much bigger and stronger than me.”

John McCann, prosecuting, said Perry had given the girl money to “buy her off” and had been unable to explain why he kissed her.

The victim had suffered from depression and stress, stating: “I feel as though this whole incident has ruined my life.”

Abid Hussain, defending, said Perry was deeply remorseful.

But District Judge Nigel Cadbury said he had been utterly amazed when Perry pleaded not guilty at an initial hearing, adding: “It has increased the trauma to the victim.”

Perry was bailed conditionally and will be sentenced later this month.