Anger as man told to apologise after 'child assaulted'

A mother has said she is "disgusted" after a man who allegedly strangled and touched the breast of her 12-year-old daughter was reportedly told by police to write an apology letter.

The Stroud woman, who wished not to be named, said her daughter's best friend called her on 9 October "screaming" that her daughter was being attacked.

She said that after reporting the incident to police, the man was asked to write a letter of apology, which left her "disgusted".

Gloucestershire Police said the investigating officer discussed the possibility of a community resolution with the victim's parents and that the family had made clear they did not support this outcome.

A spokesperson added that the views of victims and their parents were always considered during investigations, and enquiries into the case "remain ongoing".

The alleged victim and her friend, 12, and the friend's 11-year-old brother were walking near Stroud Canal Path in Ebley when the incident reportedly unfolded.

"I received a phone call from my daughter's best friend screaming, 'she's just been strangled'. In the background, I could hear my daughter spluttering and crying.

"I initially thought she'd been hit by a car because of the terror in her voice," she said.

The woman said her daughter described the man gripping her by the throat with one hand and touching her breast with the other.

The three children managed to run away and call for help.

After police were contacted, officers were able to speak to the girl and gather evidence from her within 30 minutes of the call being made.

A short while later, a man in his 50s contacted police about the incident. He was voluntarily interviewed and gave his account of events.

The woman said a police officer rang her on a later date and told her "all what will be happening is he'll be writing a letter of apology".

"I just feel like she hasn't been heard and they've just brushed it under the carpet, like her experience doesn't matter," she said.

The woman said no witness statement was taken from her daughter's friend or the friend's brother, who were both present.

"My daughter was petrified all weekend about going anywhere. I had to sleep in her room," she added.

The woman said she has "no faith" in police and has now reported the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

A spokesperson for the IOPC said all complaints made through its website are automatically sent to the relevant force to record. It is then a matter for the force to determine if it meets the criteria for referral to the IOPC.

Chris Nelson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, said he takes incidents of violence against women and girls "very seriously".

"My office has helped fund more police officer patrols and CCTV in crime hotspots across the county, including in this area of Stroud.

"These are tangible steps, but we know there is much more to do to help victims and stop these wicked crimes.

"We are determined to challenge unacceptable behaviour and make Gloucestershire safer," he said.

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