Man jailed after own car camera captures sexual assault

A 46-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in prison after footage from a camera inside his own vehicle recorded him sexually assaulting a woman.

Andrew Over, of Great Barrow near Chester, was convicted of sexual assault by penetration following a trial at Caernarfon Crown Court. He was sentenced today (Monday, April 13).

The court heard the offence took place in Queensferry in September 2024, after Over had called the victim over to his vehicle. He was acquitted of other charges connected to the case.

Victim’s impact

A victim personal statement read to the court described the lasting harm caused by the assault. The victim said she had been experiencing “flashbacks”, that the offence had damaged her trust in people and had ruined at least one friendship.

Defence arguments

Gareth Bellis, defending, told the court that Over was a man of previous good character. He said there had been “a grey area” over what his client believed “was reasonable and what wasn’t reasonable” in relation to the case.

Mr Bellis said a number of Over’s difficulties were linked to mental health issues, and he suggested a community sentence with appropriate support could be imposed.

Sentencing

Judge Simon Mills rejected the suggestion of a community order, ruling that the seriousness of the offence demanded an immediate custodial sentence.

He told Over: “You are a man of previous good character, who chose to throw that away following your conduct.”

The judge continued: “For the count of assault by penetration, where you were found guilty, the key parts of which were captured by a camera in your own vehicle….she was clearly saying ‘stop’.”

Judge Mills said Over must have heard the victim’s words, and noted that he had put her through a trial.

Over was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, with up to half to be served in custody before release on licence. A restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim was imposed for 10 years.

He will also be subject to sex offender notification requirements and must pay a statutory surcharge.