JADE BERRY – CHESHIRE

❌JADE BERRY – CHESHIRE❌

Jade Berry, a 27-year-old dental receptionist from Little Sutton near Ellesmere Port, was recently convicted of a serious sexual assault involving a 13-year-old boy in a Cheshire park, an incident that has shocked the local community and raised concerns about the impact of alcohol and mental health issues on behavior. The incident occurred on October 3 last year, when Berry, reportedly intoxicated after a drinking session with friends, wandered through Rivacre Valley Country Park around 9 pm and approached the young boy, who was sitting on a woodland bench with a companion, discussing his upcoming 14th birthday.

According to court proceedings and police reports, Berry, visibly drunk, sat between the two boys and began to engage in inappropriate and sexualized conduct. She stroked the 13-year-old’s genitals over his clothing, made highly inappropriate comments about riding him until morning, and, as the boys tried to leave, she exposed herself by pulling down her trousers and revealing her genitals. The boys, shocked and distressed, managed to record videos of her before fleeing the scene and leaving her behind on the bench. The police later identified her after she left her bank card and phone at the scene, which helped in her subsequent arrest.

During police interviews, Berry claimed she had no recollection of the incident, exclaiming, “Oh my God, I do not recall anything.” However, she was later identified by the victim during an identity parade. The young boy, who has ADHD and was particularly vulnerable, described the experience as deeply traumatic, stating that he felt so distressed that he had attempted to take his own life. He also reported suffering from nightmares, night terrors, and general anxiety following the assault, and has since received counseling to aid his recovery. His family and mental health professionals highlighted the profound and lasting impact of the incident on his emotional well-being.

Berry pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault, and her sentencing took place at Chester Crown Court. Judge Eric Lamb sentenced her to 12 months in jail, suspended for 18 months, acknowledging the serious nature of her actions but also considering her mental health issues and remorse. In addition to her suspended sentence, Berry was ordered to wear an electronic ‘sobriety’ tag for 120 days to monitor her alcohol consumption and was mandated to complete 35 days of rehabilitation activities. She was also sentenced to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years, a measure intended to protect the community and ensure ongoing monitoring of her behavior.

In her defense, Berry’s counsel, John Wyn Williams, highlighted her ongoing struggles with mental health, including anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and borderline personality disorder, which had been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and family separation.

Her lawyer emphasized that her alcohol abuse was a self-destructive response to her mental health difficulties and that her intoxication was a significant factor in her actions. Berry expressed genuine remorse for her conduct and showed empathy towards her victim, acknowledging the harm caused.

The court acknowledged the complexities surrounding Berry’s case, noting that her intoxication played a role in her inability to recall the events, and that her mental health issues were relevant mitigating factors. Nevertheless, Judge Lamb emphasized the severity of the offense and its devastating effects on the victim and his family.

The judge also pointed out that the victim’s trauma, including suicidal ideation and ongoing anxiety, underscored the profound harm inflicted by Berry’s actions.