Man sentenced for sexual assault of woman he targeted through her bus pass

A bus driver who preyed on a vulnerable woman has been given a suspended prison sentence. 

Chris Paul Clipsham, 44, of Blackthorn Close, Whitley, sexually assaulted the woman who he met in his line of work. The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has since received support from specially-trained officers.

At York Magistrates' Court on Thursday 28 March 2024, Clipsham appeared for sentencing after admitting to three charges of sexual assault at an earlier hearing.

Clipsham used a social media site to search for the victim’s name which he had noted from her bus pass.

He then began to befriend the victim via social media. On the night of the incident, he picked the victim up in his car and drove her to a quiet location where he sexually assaulted her.

PC Laura Wright from North Yorkshire Police who investigated the case, said:

“This is a case of opportunistic sexual assault of a vulnerable victim. The assault has left a significant and lasting impact on the victim who continues to have flashbacks and has been left feeling unsafe and fearful of men.

“The victim should be commended on the bravery she has shown throughout this process. She has shown immense courage and determination in order to get justice for what has happened to her.

“I would like to reassure anyone who has suffered any form of sexual abuse that you will always be listened to, and all allegations will be thoroughly investigated.”

Clipsham was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years, ordered to pay costs of £85 and a surchage of £114. He was also ordered to carry out rehabilitiation activity and 150 hours of unpaid work. 

If you are a victim of sexual assault or rape, please do not hesitate to contact the police.

• Please contact North Yorkshire Policeon 101. If you are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response
• Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email [email protected]or go to org
• You can also contact Supporting Victimsdirect at org or call 01609 643100

There are also a range of places to get support, advice and medical help if you are the victim of rape or sexual assault. You can speak to these organisations in confidence and what you tell them won't be shared with the police unless you ask for it to be.