A sexual assault victim has spoken to GB News about her ongoing fear after her attacker received a suspended sentence and remains free in her community.
Pauline Whalley, 59, who works as a cleaner, was violently attacked by a Syrian national while going about her duties in Liverpool, Merseyside.
The assault took place in broad daylight, around 11am, as she entered the ladies’ toilets.
CCTV footage shows the attacker following her before violently grabbing her, causing serious injuries to her face and head.
Speaking alongside Ms Whalley, her supporter Laura Walsh said: “He followed Pauline down to the toilets. When she politely told him it was an all-female space and he couldn’t enter, he violently grabbed her arms, threw her to the floor, and began hitting her head on the hard floor.
“The grip was so tight that her skin was pierced by his fingernails, leaving marks that were still visible weeks later.
“He also attempted to sexually assault Pauline, grabbing her and trying to remove her clothes.
“By her own admission, Pauline is a quiet and reserved person and had never screamed in her life before but somehow, on that day, she found her voice. Her scream alerted a member of the public, which stopped the attack.
Pauline Whalley (Right) is a ‘very quiet and reserved’ person
|
GB NEWS
“It’s our belief that he was intending to fully rape her but fled when he was interrupted.”
Ali Akturan, 19, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on October 27, where he pleaded guilty to sexual assault. He was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and 120 rehabilitation days.
He was also given a restraining order banning him from entering Calderstones Park or contacting Pauline.
Ms Whalley spoke to GB News present Martin Daubney and said she was “very disappointed” with the “lenient” sentence.
Ms Whalley said that she is ‘extremely disappointed’ with the sentence
|
GB NEWS
She told the People’s Channel: “I’m extremely disappointed with the lenient sentence. He should have received a punishment appropriate for such a serious attack.
“The court acknowledged the seriousness, yet he received just 120 weeks’ rehabilitation.”
Martin said: “And as part of the restraining order, he can’t come near your home but how are you supposed to know if he does, since you don’t know what he looks like?”
Ms Whalley responded: “Exactly. I have no idea. He could come near today and I wouldn’t know. It’s terrifying.”
Martin pointed out: “You didn’t even see a photograph of him in court, so you don’t know who he is. He could be anywhere, even near you again.
Ms Whalley stated: “Yes. I’ve requested a photograph of him from the police because I’m very frightened.”
The attack took place on September 24 last year, when Ms Whalley was working at Mansion House, home of reading charity the Reader Organisation.
Sentencing Akturan, recorder Tim Harrington said: “What you did was very serious. The victim was simply going about her business as a cleaner when you sexually assaulted her, pushing her to the ground and grabbing her vagina over her clothing.
“People who behave like that can normally expect to go to prison. In your case, I have to take into account your age at the time and the fact that you have never been in any trouble before.
“I am also satisfied that you may have a mild learning disability. It may be that you have features of autistic spectrum disorder.
“I am satisfied that you can engage with probation. If you do not, you will be brought back to court and will be sent into custody.”
Ms Whalley told GB News of her disappointment as she said the assault had left her living “in constant fear” and she has applied for an “undue lenient sentence”.
The CPS told GB News: “Sentencing is not generally a matter a for the CPS to comment as wwe do not impose sentences.
“That is for the Independent Judiciary. Also matters of the unduly lenient sentence’s is for the Attorney General’s office.”