Matthew Banks – York

Jailed for five years for sexual assault ⬇️

A man has been jailed for five years after sexually assaulting a woman in York.

Matthew Thomas Banks, aged 40, of Wheldrake, York, was sentenced today at York Crown Court after admitting sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching.

In the early hours of Sunday 25 July 2021, Banks was at the victim’s home when he carried out the offences.

The victim managed to escape from the property and alerted neighbours, who encouraged her to report the incident to police.

Banks was arrested at his home later that day on suspicion of assault by penetration but denied the offences during police interviews.

However, forensic evidence supported the victim’s account and linked him to the crimes.

After being charged, Banks initially pleaded not guilty and a trial date was set for August 2026. However, on the first day of the trial, he changed his plea to guilty.

Investigating officers praised the victim for her courage in reporting the offences and supporting the prosecution, which ultimately led to Banks being brought to justice.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the victim described the devastating and long-lasting effect the assault has had on every aspect of her life, including her family life, career and relationships.

She explained that, despite the passage of time, she continues to suffer from panic attacks, anxiety and episodes of dissociation, leaving her struggling at times to reconnect with the present.

She told the court: “Over the last five years, I have been affected by the sexual assault as I have woken up panicking in sweats, and I have had night terrors and flashbacks.”

She also described how the assault has left her fearful of visiting places she once enjoyed, as well as locations she needs to go to, with the constant fear of seeing him affecting her day-to-day life.

The victim also added the attack left her feeling “less than human”, “less of a woman” and as though she was “damaged goods”.

She ended by saying: “It has affected almost every aspect of my life, and it will take a long time for me to heal fully from this.”

Speaking after the sentencing Detective Constable Sarah Scott of North Yorkshire Police’s City & Selby Criminal Investigation Department said: “Banks subjected his victim to a terrifying and traumatic ordeal, which she showed immense courage in reporting to police.

“Not only did he commit these serious offences, but he continued to deny them, only admitting his guilt on the first day of trial. In doing so, he caused further distress to the victim, who faced the prospect of reliving her experience in court.

“Despite the significant impact these offences had on her, the victim remained committed to seeking justice. She bravely provided detailed accounts to investigators and supported the prosecution throughout the case, helping to ensure Banks was held accountable for his actions.

“I hope this sentence provides some closure to her, and reassures other victims that sexual offences are treated with the utmost seriousness by both the police and the courts. North Yorkshire Police remains fully committed to supporting victims, bringing offenders to justice, and protecting those who have experienced sexual violence and abuse.

“If you have experienced any form of sexual offence or abuse, I would encourage you to come forward and report it. We will listen, we will support you, and we will investigate.”