Matthew Banks

Matthew Banks, 40, of Wheldrake, was sentenced to five years in prison at York Crown Court for committing sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching. The offences took place at the victim's home in the early hours of 25 July 2021.

Although Banks initially denied the allegations, he changed his plea to guilty on the first day of his trial after forensic evidence linked him to the attacks. The victim provided a statement to the court describing the lasting psychological impact of the ordeal, including panic attacks, anxiety, and night terrors, noting that the assault had affected almost every aspect of her life.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Banks was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Sarah Scott commended the victim for her courage in reporting the crime, noting that Banks' initial denial of the offences had caused the victim further distress by forcing her to prepare for a trial.