Teenager molested female officer following arrest

The officer and a colleague had recognised Ryan Camfield, 18, in a group of males in Ferrybridge as someone who was wanted on a warrant.

But from the outset his behaviour towards her was inappropriate, Philip Adams prosecuting told Leeds Crown Court yesterday.

He continually made lewd and offensive comments towards her and asked her for a kiss several times.

At the police station in the waiting area he continued making such comments. She noticed at one point he put his hands inside his pockets and touched himself while looking her up and down.

Mr Adams said it was when the officer was escorting Camfield to the custody area that the assault happened when he reached back and stroked her groin area with the fingers of his right hand.

She immediately pushed him forwards and reported his behaviour at the custody desk.

Mr Adams said the incident left the officer, despite her training, feeling shocked, humiliated, violated and embarrassed.

At the time he claimed the contact had been accidental when he was swinging his arms but admitted he found her attractive and in his mind had been flirting with her.

John Nixon for Camfield said he had been drinking and now appreciated his behaviour would have caused her distress.

Camfield of Lowswater Road, Warwick Estate, Knottingley, admitted sexual assault and as well as custody was ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said he had a dreadful criminal record for his age including assaults on police and harassment, although nothing sexual previously.