UPDATE: A man has been sentenced to two years in prison for sexually touching a woman while she slept, a case that has left the victim grappling with ongoing trauma. The sentencing occurred on July 10, 2025, at the Orange Local Court, where the magistrate highlighted the profound impact of the crime on the victim’s life.
The court heard a private victim impact statement that revealed the psychological scars left by the incident. Magistrate Gary Wilson noted, “There’s no doubt that this offending… has had a significant effect on the victim.” The convicted man, David James Jones, aged 23, had no prior criminal record and had been drinking at the same establishment as the victim on May 31, 2024.
In a shocking turn of events, Jones entered the victim’s home around 12:30 AM, where she was asleep in her loungeroom. Dressed only in her underwear, she was initially unaware of his presence. Jones reportedly stripped her blanket, rubbed her back and torso, and touched her buttocks. The woman, believing it was her partner, woke up to find Jones standing over her, just 30 centimeters from her face.
In a moment of disbelief, she exclaimed, “What the f–k,” and questioned where her partner was. Jones misled her, claiming he was outside before fleeing the scene. CCTV footage confirmed his departure at 12:36 AM. The victim described feelings of shock and violation and struggled to sleep in the days following the assault.
After the incident, she reached out to her partner, who was furious upon learning about Jones’s intrusion. Jones later sent a Snapchat message to the victim’s partner, apologizing for his actions while claiming he had no memory of the event. Despite his attempts to downplay the incident, he admitted to being in the victim’s home without permission.
The victim reported the crime to the Orange Police Station later that evening. Police collected evidence, including a blanket from the scene, but the victim had already washed her clothes. Authorities arrested Jones when he voluntarily attended the police station on July 10, 2024.
During the hearing, Jones’s solicitor, Mason Manwaring, acknowledged the severity of the offense, affirming that a term of imprisonment was necessary. He argued for a community-based order instead, highlighting that Jones had never been in trouble before and expressed remorse. However, he also noted that Jones must address his alcohol use, suggesting that such programs would be more beneficial outside of prison.
The prosecution, represented by Shaun Towers, did not oppose a community-based intensive correction order but emphasized the need for Jones to engage in behavioral change programs. Towers expressed regret that Jones had not already begun such interventions, stating, “It was in the home of the victim,” underlining the seriousness of the crime.
Ultimately, Magistrate Wilson agreed that the crimes warranted imprisonment, stating, “The court has no alternative but to impose a period of imprisonment.” He sentenced Jones to two years, with a 25% discount for his early guilty plea. Conditions of the order include abstaining from alcohol and drugs unless prescribed, with potential jail time for any violations.
This case highlights the severe consequences of sexual offenses and the lasting impact on victims. As this story develops, the community continues to grapple with the effects of such crimes and the need for support systems for victims.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned.
