Thanks to the efforts of his legal team, Philip Waltham, represented by Solicitors, Barker Copeman, and Barrister, Helen Chapman; narrowly escaped a prison sentence. Waltham had been convicted of sexual assault following a 7 day trial at Hull Crown Court. The Sentence hearing was listed today before Recorder Jackson KC sitting at Bradford Crown Court. Waltham was facing the potential of a custodial sentence.
Helen Chapman, mitigating, said that, since the conviction after the earlier trial, Waltham had been living at his home in London. “The defendant’s position in Hull has, frankly, become untenable to the extent that he finds being in the city very difficult,” said Miss Chapman.
He found it uncomfortable being in places like cafes. “There has already been a tangible effect on the business,” said Miss Chapman.
“Two stores have already had to close and a third is going to have to close by the end of this year.”
There was also doubt about a wholesale contract arrangement with TK Maxx that was “very much in its infancy” to stock and sell some of his products in their stores.
Waltham was “very fearful” about the potential impact on his employees.
He had previous convictions, including serving a lengthy period of custody, but he had, in the past, complied with community orders of courts and he had been “able to make a success of himself” since then.
“He continues to maintain his innocence and is working with a fresh legal team to consider the prospects of an appeal,” said Miss Chapman.
“He is not involved in the day to day running of the stores.” If he were jailed, it was a “possibility” that he would “lose the entire company”.
“Your defence was that this never happened and that it was all lies but that was rejected by the jury,” said Recorder Jackson. “She didn’t consent.”
Waltham was given a 20-month suspended prison sentence, 200 hours’ unpaid work, a sex offender treatment programme and was ordered to pay £10,000 compensation to the woman and £4,200 costs. He was given a restraining order and must register as a sex offender.
The Hull Daily Mail full articleBarrister, Helen Chapman has a mixed practice, with particular interest in cases involving Serious and organised crime and serious sexual offences. For further information or to book Helen Chapman, please contact the clerks.
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