Man jailed for park attack

A man who attacked a nine-year-old girl in a Bedford park has been jailed for five years.

Anthony Stawiarski, 43, of Fulmar Road in Bedford, pleaded guilty at Luton Crown Court on Monday to indecently assaulting the girl on 8 August this year.

Jane Casson, prosecuting, said the girl had been playing in the park with a group of children and her uncle.

Her family did not have the right change to let her use the public toilets and suggested she go in the bushes while a friend kept watch.

But seconds after she had gone into the bushes Stawiarski grabbed her and pushed her to the ground.

You seized the opportunity because she was alone - I cannot think of worse circumstances for a young child to be in Judge Ronald Moss

Mrs Casson said: "She was screaming and struggling and he was taken aback at the struggle she put up. Her uncle heard the screams and ran to the bushes.

"He saw a man lying beside her on the ground and heard him telling her to be quiet and that he would not hurt her.

"He grabbed hold of him and detained him until police arrived."

She said the girl was very distressed and covered in dirt. A doctor examined her later and found bruises and scratches all over her body.

'I am so ashamed'

Stawiarski, who had no previous convictions, said in interview that he had reacted on the spur of the moment when he saw her in the bushes.

"I pulled her to the ground and groped her", he said.

"It is dreadful, absolutely dreadful. I am so ashamed and cannot believe what I did. I have never done anything like it in my life."

The prosecution said it was not clear to what extent he indecently assaulted her as he was admitting to an action that she did not think he had done.

Gerald Pounder, defending, said: "He is very apologetic and has brought disgrace on himself and his family. He knows the court will look on this very seriously.

Model citizen

"But unlike some people he has discussed his feelings with a probation officer and is someone who would benefit from counselling. Until this he had been a model citizen."

Judge Ronald Moss said: "This is a worrying and upsetting case.

"You seized the opportunity because she was alone. I cannot think of worse circumstances for a young child to be in."

Stawiarski is to be under extended supervision for three years after his release, must register as a sex offender for life and he must never work with or look after children.