Man given suspended sentence for sexual assault on vulnerable woman

A 63-year-old man from Ipswich has been handed a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to sexual activity with a woman with a mental disorder.

Adrian Long, of Bruff Road in Ipswich, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 24 April where he was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 20 months.

He must also comply with a 40-day rehabilitation programme, with a requirement to carry out 100 days unpaid work and is on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Police were called on 27 March 2025, after Long was seen entering the victim’s address via personal video footage by a family member.

Following enquiries, police established that Long had met the victim earlier that day, after she waved him down outside a shop and asked for a lift home. She was unable to recall her address, so Long looked through her cards and drove her home where he then sexually assaulted her.

DC Charlotte Bourne, from the Safeguarding and Investigations Unit at Suffolk Constabulary, said: “Long took advantage of a vulnerable woman for his own sexual gratification.

“Despite her being unable to recall her address, he claimed he was unaware that she was lacking capacity to consent.

“The impact of his actions has been profound on the victim, who has Alzheimer’s and who has suffered rapid deterioration in health since the incident. It has also had a significant effect on her family.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a sexual offence, please call Suffolk police on 999 in an emergency, or report online via Report an online sexual offence | Suffolk Constabulary.

You can also access advice, support and help via: Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Suffolk Constabulary